The New Orleans Pelicans will have a very important weapon back in their arsenal Monday night when they face the Washington Wizards: Eric Gordon is ready to return. Out since Nov. 22 with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the guard will start against Washington in New Orleans.

While he is only averaging 9.5 points per game this season, the former Indiana star has a career scoring average of 17.2 points. And he scored 23 against the Wizards in last season’s Pelicans loss in New Orleans.

Gordon told reporters during Monday’s shoot-around he doesn’t expect to have restricted minutes in his first start back.

While the Pelicans get Gordon back, they might have to play without guard Tyreke Evans. He’s questionable for Monday night’s contest with an undisclosed illness.

This is the second meeting between the two squads after the Wizards swept the season series in 2013-14. On Nov. 29, Washington overcame a 30-point effort from MVP candidate Anthony Davis to win, 83-80. Gordon did not play in that game.

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