Pelicans' Gordon fractures finger in win over Timberwolves

New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters that guard Eric Gordon fractured his right ring finger during Tuesday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. There is no timetable for his return.

Gordon left the Pelicans' 114-99 win after jamming the finger, and did not return to the game. It's a particularly brutal blow for the shooting guard, who has yet to sit out a contest this season - practically unheard of in his seven-year career.

Besieged by various injuries, Gordon had missed 186 games in six seasons coming into 2015-16, including 21 last year. He has played more than 70 games just once, in his 2008-09 rookie season. Similar to his onetime AAU teammate Derrick Rose, Gordon has undergone multiple knee surgeries.

For more than one reason, the last thing the Pelicans need is a longer injury list. Gordon is fourth on the team in scoring at 15 points per game, albeit on 40.9 percent shooting from the floor - the second-lowest mark of his career.

Gordon, who is in the final year of his contract, has been mentioned in trade rumors as the Pelicans sit at a crossroads in terms of pursuing a playoff spot this season (they remained four games out as of Tuesday night) or reloading.