Halo

New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis started Tuesday night's 120-105 win against the Dallas Mavericks, but he suffered a hip contusion and was held out for the second half, per the team.

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X-Rays Negative on Davis' Hip

Tuesday, Nov. 10

Jennifer Hale of Fox Sports noted the Pelicans elected to use caution and hold Davis from the rest of the game after the x-rays on his hip came back negative. Considering New Orleans held an 18-point lead at halftime, it was likely a straightforward decision.

Heading into Tuesday, Davis was averaging 25.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks a night while shooting 46 percent from the floor.

It would be a devastating blow to New Orleans’ playoff hopes if Davis was forced to miss extensive time, which is why the fact it was only a contusion is such a relief for the team. He is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA as a walking double-double, stout rim protector and the anchor of the Pelicans’ offensive and defensive game plans.

The former Kentucky Wildcat averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game last season and led his team into the playoffs in a daunting Western Conference. Davis is also a two-time All-Star and earned All-NBA First Team and NBA All-Defensive Second Team recognition in 2014-15.

While the 22-year-old is certainly one of the best players in the league, durability has been a concern throughout his early career. He has yet to play in more than 68 games in a single season since he was drafted in 2012 and has dealt with various injuries at a young age.

Ryan Anderson will have to shoulder more of the load if Davis is out for more than Tuesday's game, even though the two players have very different skill sets. Anderson stretches the floor with his three-point shooting ability and is not far removed from an impressive 2013-14 campaign when he scored 19.8 points a game (albeit in only 22 contests).

Elsewhere, Omer Asik will have to do more in the rebounding department without Davis. He posted 9.8 boards per game last season and averaged 11.7 a night in 2012-13 when he played more minutes for the Houston Rockets.

While Anderson and Asik are viable options to fill any void left by Davis, the Pelicans cannot expect to replicate their leader’s production. If this team is going to make any noise in the playoff chase, Davis must return to the lineup soon.

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