The latest injury to Anthony Davis, which will cost him 1-2 weeks, could spell the end for the New Orleans Pelicans’ playoff chances
Anthony Davis is expected to miss the next 1-2 weeks for the New Orleans Pelicans, and while it may not seem bad on the surface – after all, it could’ve been a lot worse – it could spell the end for their playoff hopes.
The Pelicans are currently sitting in the 13th spot in the Western Conference. They are 3.5 games back of the 8th and final playoff spot. Considering that they will lose Davis for at least six games, and that’s if he returns Saturday, Feb 2, there’s a chance that the team could be sitting six or seven games back of the playoffs.
During that span, the Pelicans will have to face the Thunder, Spurs, Rockets and Nuggets (after the Grizzlies and Pistons) – games against some of the best competition in the Western Conference. Again, this is not ideal and this most recent loss of Davis could spell the end of the team’s chances at a post-season appearance.
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When Davis has sat out this season, the Pelicans are 1-4. Not a great record without their star, but it’s not exactly surprising. Davis, for the most part this season, has been the heartbeat of the Pelicans. When he plays well, the team has a chance to win. When he doesn’t, they generally find themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard.
So what is to happen if the Pelicans find themselves seven games back of the playoffs when the NBA Trade Deadline (Feb. 8) comes around? It’s an interesting potential reality that could be on the verge of happening for the Pelicans.
Would they be open to possibly moving some of their veterans? Would they be open to listen to offers for Anthony Davis, who might be on the way out in a few months either way?
I don’t want to be the knee-jerk Debbie Downer, but the next two weeks could decide the New Orleans Pelicans’ season. And it will happen with Anthony Davis sidelined due to injury.