Tyreke Evans questionable Monday with illness

The New Orleans Pelicans may get Eric Gordon back after a six-week absence on Monday, but the basketball gods appear unwilling to afford them a clean bill of health entirely.

Tyreke Evans is being listed as questionable for the team's game against the Washington Wizards, as the talented wing is suffering from an illness. Evans has missed just a single game this season, but there's strong evidence the team would struggle without him since they've been eight points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor this season.

In 32 games, Evans is averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists, proving an effective offensive complement to budding superstar Anthony Davis. While he has struggled at times to finish in traffic, Evans ranks third in the NBA in points per game generated by his drives, creating 13 points a night for the Pelicans with his penetration.

When Evans and Davis take the floor together, the Pelicans outscore opponents by 2.4 points per 100 possessions, a number that jumps to 3.9 when Jrue Holiday is also on the court. Should Evans sit, even with Gordon returning, the Pelicans' offense could reasonably be expected to stagnate, and they'll be in tough against a quality Wizards squad.