Anthony Davis sustains hip contusion vs. Mavericks

Injuries continue to plague the New Orleans Pelicans.

The latest Pelican to hit the infirmary is superstar Anthony Davis, who exited Tuesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks with a hip contusion. X-rays were negative, but he was held out of the second half as a precaution.

New Orleans is already without Norris Cole and Tyreke Evans, and frontcourt players Omer Asik and Kendrick Perkins have been in and out of the lineup. The injuries, coupled with a lackluster showing on defense, have culminated in a tremendously disappointing start for the Pelicans.

By his lofty standards, Davis has struggled to start the year, but he was the Pelicans' lone bright spot. He held averages of 25.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in 38.2 minutes going into Tuesday's clash with the Mavericks.

It goes without saying that any extended absence for Davis would be devastating for the Pelicans.

Ryan Anderson started the second half in place of Davis, who managed to score 17 points and grab seven rebounds in 19 minutes before exiting the game.

Improbably, despite Davis' injury, the Pelicans grabbed their first win of the year with a 120-105 victory over the Mavericks.