The Pelicans sweated out a tense couple days evaluating Anthony Davis’ groin injury.
All things considered, this is great news.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
MRI results negative on New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis' injured groin, and timetable on his return will be day-to-day for near future, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 4, 2017
This could have been catastrophic for New Orleans. An extended absence for Davis could have sent the Pelicans spiraling in the standings, which could have sent DeMarcus Cousins into unrestricted free agency on a sour note, which might have prompted them to preemptively trade him, which could have set into motion trading Davis before his 2019 player option.
Whew.
As is, New Orleans is tied with the Jazz for seventh in the Western. Utah will get Rudy Gobert back soon, and the Thunder lurk in ninth. Every game Davis – an MVP candidate with whom the Pelicans are 15.4 points per 100 possessions better when he’s on the court than off – misses could affect the playoff race.
So, this franchise is still pressed. But Davis dealing with a relatively minor injury with the Pelicans on the playoff fringe? New Orleans is back to usual.