Pelicans to get into G League

The New Orleans Pelicans will field a G League team in Birmingham starting in the 2022-23 season.

The Pelicans announced Wednesday they have acquired the rights to the NBA G League team, giving the developmental league 28 teams by the 201920 season.

The team, which hasn’t been named, will play next season as the Erie BayHawks in Pennsylvania while Birmingham’s Legacy Arena is renovated.

The downtown arena will undergo a $123 million renovation and expansion before the team begins play in Alabama. The upgrades include a new facade, new entrances and an expansion that allows for a new suite level and premium club space.

The Pelicans will partner with the BayHawks’ current management to operate the team in Erie.

Erie has had an NBA G League team since the 200809 season.

Raptors

Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 35 points, Kyle Lowry had 13 points and 10 assists, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 112-105, Wednesday night to improve to 50 and match the best start in franchise history. Toronto won its 15th home game in a row against Minnesota, extending its franchise record for consecutive home victories against a single opponent. The most recent time the Raptors lost at home to the Timberwolves was Jan. 21, 2004.