Anthony Davis helped off floor after suffering groin injury

Anthony Davis suffered a non-contact groin injury during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

The oft-injured New Orleans Pelicans big man was battling Derrick Favors for rebounding position under the hoop when he suddenly crumpled to the floor clutching at his inner left thigh.

Davis stayed down for a long while before being helped off the court, unable to put any weight on his left leg. He did not return.

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters after the game that Davis will be evaluated on Saturday morning and is "very unlikely" to play Saturday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

A serious injury would be a crushing development for Davis and the Pelicans. The 24-year-old superstar has been playing the best ball of his career this season, with a clean bill of health. Last year was the first time he played at least 70 games in a season.

Coming into Friday's game, the Pelicans were 18 points per 100 possessions worse without Davis on the floor. They were leading by four when he left the game and, true to form, were outscored 34-24 the rest of the way.