Pelicans' Gentry: Asik may have contracted bacterial infection in Mexico

Omer Asik's absence in the New Orleans Pelicans' lineup stems from a bacterial infection he may have developed in Mexico during last month's All-Star break, head coach Alvin Gentry revealed Monday.

The Pelicans big man has yet to play a game since mid-February, and has lost a considerable amount of weight because of the infection, according to Gentry.

"We're just trying to get him healthy, really," Gentry told ESPN's Justin Verrier. "That's the main thing."

Asik has played sparingly for New Orleans this season, averaging 2.7 points and 5.3 rebounds on 47.7 percent shooting. The 7-footer could struggle to find playing time once he's fully recovered from the infection, with DeMarcus Cousins expected to see the bulk of the minutes at center.