If the New Orleans Pelicans want to set the franchise record with 11 straight victories, the will have to do it without MVP candidate Anthony Davis, who was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle, the team announced.
The All-Star was ruled out against the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry says he is “optimistic” about Davis’ prospects for returning Sunday afternoon against Utah. Nikola Mirotic started at power forward in Davis’ absence.
Gentry says Davis went through pregame drills to test his ankle and did not appear ready to return from the injury.
Davis didn’t seem too concerned about the injury after Wednesday’s victory at Sacramento, saying “I feel fine. But I’m going to have the team doctor take a look at it (Thursday) and go from there.”
The Pelicans went on to tie the franchise record with a 10th straight win, and Davis’ dominant play has been the driving force.
Davis’ production has surged during New Orleans’ streak, which has moved the Pelicans into the top four in the Western Conference. Davis has scored 41 or more five times during that stretch and as many as 53 points in a victory over Phoenix.
In his sixth season, the 24-year-old is averaging 28.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 blocks this season. His numbers increased when All-Star counterpart DeMarcus Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, taking his scoring up to a league-high 32.6 points per game while grabbing 13.3 rebounds.
