Anthony Davis out vs. Warriors with chest contusion
The New Orleans Pelicans are about to find out how badly they need Anthony Davis.
The early season MVP candidate will not play against the league-leading Golden State Warriors on Sunday, head coach Monty Williams said, after Davis suffered a chest contusion against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.
Davis left Friday's game in the first quarter and did not return, though X-rays were negative and the Pelicans hung on to beat the Cavs without Davis, 119-114.
Expecting the Pelicans to survive without Davis against the 20-2 Warriors or for much longer may not be as realistic, however. The Brow has averaged 24.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 1.9 steals and 1.6 assists, posting a ludicrous Player Efficiency Rating of 33.1.
What's more, the Pelicans perform 15 points per 100 possessions better with Davis on the court than on the bench, according to NBA.com, outscoring teams by 3.9 points per 100 possessions with Davis and being outscored by 11.1 points per 100 possessions without him.
Ryan Anderson will start in Davis' place on Sunday.