Pelicans' Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson aiming for Friday returns

While NBA fans may have been disappointed that Anthony Davis withdrew from Sunday's All-Star Game, the New Orleans Pelicans are probably quite pleased.

After missing the team's final two games before the break, Davis opted to give his sprained right shoulder additional rest rather than participate in the showcase. That afforded him nearly two full weeks off between suffering the injury on Feb. 7 and the team's upcoming game Friday, one that Davis is aiming to play in.

Ryan Anderson, who's been out with a sore elbow, also plans on suiting up. 

The Pelicans will need all hands on deck with Jrue Holiday's absence set to extend at least three more weeks, as they're in quite the fight for the Western Conference's final playoff spot. 

Davis, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who participated in a non-contact practice Wednesday, is the team's best player and one of the midseason favorites for MVP. But even his return to health may not be enough for the Pelicans to outduel the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder.

New Orleans has been 13.9 points per 100 possessions better with Davis than without him this year, as the third-year big has averaged 24.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and a league-high 2.7 blocks with a player efficiency rating of 31.8, also tops in the league. 

If there's a single player who can lift a team at this point, Davis is on the shortlist.

Anderson, meanwhile, is averaging 14.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, while struggling from outside by his standards with a 34.7 percent mark. The Pelicans have been deadly when Anderson pairs with Davis, outscoring opponents by 6.5 points per 100 possessions.