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New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon suffered a finger injury on Tuesday.

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Gordon Has Fractured Ring Finger

Tuesday, Jan. 19

According to The Advocate's Scott Kushner, head coach Alvin Gentry confirmed Gordon's diagnosis after the game and added a timetable for return has not been set.

Gordon's Latest Injury Won't Hurt Pelicans' Deep Backcourt

This is a concerning setback for Gordon because he has dealt with various injuries throughout his career. He played 78 games in his rookie campaign (2008-09) but is yet to appear in more than 64 contests in any other season.

Gordon played 61 games last year and averaged 13.4 points a night behind 44.8 percent shooting from the three-point line. He is averaging 15 points, 2.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game.

At his best, Gordon is an electrifying scorer (two seasons with more than 20 points a night in his career) who can beat defenders off the dribble, drill shots from deep and set up his teammates when opponents collapse on his penetration. The Pelicans need an established second scorer alongside Anthony Davis on a nightly basis, and Gordon can fit the bill.

Tyreke Evans can pick up some of that scoring slack while Gordon heals. Evans posted 16.6 points a night last season but is a well-rounded player who brings more to the table than just points. He also averaged 6.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds a game in 2014-15 and should keep the New Orleans offense rolling even without Gordon.

Elsewhere, Norris Cole (6'2") could theoretically play some shooting guard in smaller lineups, especially if Jrue Holidayhandles the ball.

The Pelicans at least have the pieces to fill in for Gordon until he returns, but they need their shooting guard back in the lineup if they hope to challenge for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference after a disappointing start.

Read more New Orleans Pelicans news on BleacherReport.com



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