Pelicans' Ryan Anderson sheds knee brace, unsure of return

Ryan Anderson is out of a knee brace two weeks after suffering a sprained right MCL, but has yet to participate in any basketball-related activities. 

Until he does, he won't have a clear read on when he'll back in the lineup for the playoff-hopeful New Orleans Pelicans. Anderson is at the halfway point of the two-to-four week timeline he was given at the time he suffered the injury. 

The Pelicans' power forward has been focusing on strength and mobility exercises as he tries to work his way back to the court. 

"Recovery has been a process. I'm really working a lot on getting mobility back, just walking," Anderson told Jim Eichenhofer of NBA.com. "The past week, I've made big strides, as far as getting out of a big knee brace. My flexibility is a lot better, as far as rotation. I haven't tried anything on the court yet." 

Anderson, averaging 14.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in 52 games, has been doing pool work and using a treadmill as he progresses with his rehab. 

The 26-year-old has struggled with his shot, shooting 40.9 percent from the field and an uncharacteristic 34.3 percent from long range, but he'll be a welcome addition to a Pelicans team that has navigated through injuries to stay in the thick of the playoff race. 

Despite missing point guard Jrue Holiday since mid-January, and recently being without All-Star Anthony Davis for a five-game stretch, New Orleans is threatening the Oklahoma City Thunder for the eighth and final playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference. The Pelicans went 4-1 while Davis was out, then squeaked past the Detroit Pistons in his return thanks to the 21-year-old's monster 39-point, 13-rebound, eight-block effort. 

New Orleans enters Friday's contest against the Boston Celtics half a game behind the Thunder.

"They're playing so well," Anderson said of his teammates. "I just want to get back and help the team best I can."