New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis will return to the team’s lineup on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors, according to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes.
Davis has missed New Orleans’ last two games while nursing a sprained right elbow. The Pelicans dropped both games, losing to the Utah Jazz last Saturday and falling to the Denver Nuggets on Monday.
After the team’s shootaround Wednesday, Davis said his elbow “[felt] better” but that he was likely going to make a decision about his availability following pregame warmups, per the Pelicans’ official site. He added he was both managing the pain in his elbow and testing his range of motion.
The five-time All-Star has gotten off to a blistering start in 2018-19. He’s averaging 27.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 3.8 blocks.
More importantly, the Pelicans reeled off four wins to open the season. The team appears to be hitting its stride in head coach Alvin Gentry’s fourth season. New Orleans ranks third in offensive rating (114.3) and pace (106.75), according to NBA.com.
Offseason additions Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle are exceeding expectations as well, which is vital for a franchise that has struggled to build a strong supporting cast around Davis.
Of course, the team’s two defeats in Davis’ absence were a reminder of how much the Pelicans rely on the 25-year-old big man. Davis missing an extended stretch of games could be the difference between making the playoffs and falling into the lottery for the third time in four years.
The fact he’s back for Wednesday’s clash with the Warriors sets up a fun matchup. Nobody expects New Orleans to seriously challenge Golden State for NBA supremacy, but a win at Oracle Arena could show the Pelicans’ promising results this month aren’t a mirage.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
