NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans have ruled out forward Nikola Mirotic from Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers because of an illness.

Mirotic's absence, announced shortly before tip-off, removes one of New Orleans' top scoring threats from the lineup.

Mirotic has been averaging 18.9 points and leads the Pelicans with 60 made 3-pointers in 24 games.

The Pelicans say starting guard E'Twaun Moore, who left Friday night's loss in Miami with a right shin bruise, is available to return to action after missing Sunday night's victory in Charlotte.

Moore is averaging 15.1 points per game.

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