Pelicans' Tyreke Evans to miss 3-5 weeks with hamstring strain

Pelicans swingman Tyreke Evans is expected to miss 3-5 weeks with a strained right hamstring, the team announced on Saturday.

Pelicans swingman Tyreke Evans is expected to miss 3-5 weeks with a strained right hamstring, the team announced on Saturday.

"Tyreke injured his hamstring playing pickup basketball out of town last week,” general manager Dell Demps said in a statement. “He is back in New Orleans rehabbing with our medical staff. Hopefully, he will be cleared to play before the season-opener.”

• Celtics' Rajon Rondo expected to miss 6-8 weeks with broken hand

New Orleans opens the regular season on Oct. 28 at home against the Magic.

Evans, who turned 25 earlier this month, averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 72 games (22 starts) last season, his first with the Pelicans after four with the Kings, who drafted him fourth overall in 2009.

Evans has averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in his career, shooting 44.6 percent from the floor.

• Phil Jackson expects Knicks to be playoff team this season

- Chris Mascaro