Jason Smith could start over Greg Stiemsma

Pelicans center Greg Stiemsma may lose his starting spot to Jason Smith, according to The Times Picayune.

Head coach Monty Williams started Smith ahead of Stiemsma in Friday's preseason finale. Smith also worked with the starters while Stiemsma worked with the backups in Saturday's practice scrimmage. 

Stiemsma appeared in eight preseason games and did not score more than two points in any of the games. He averaged 2.6 rebounds per game over that span. Smith, who had been bothered by a hip injury, appeared in six preseason games and averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds.

"Preseason is preseason and we'll see how it goes when we get to the real games," Stiemsma said. "Since Jason got back on the floor coming off his rehab, we've been going hard. I think competition brings the best out of guys. So we're going to continue pushing each other during the year and see how it goes."