Anthony Davis appears to be a step closer to playing in Wednesday’s pre-All-Star finale against the Indiana Pacers, with his right shoulder sprain improving over the past 24 hours, according to Pelicans Coach Monty Williams. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for fellow New Orleans power forward Ryan Anderson (right elbow soreness), who is not expected to play Wednesday vs. Indiana.
“(He is) getting better,” Williams said of Davis after Tuesday’s practice. “He’s still a bit sore, but he’s a lot better than he was yesterday. But he’s still day-to-day.”
Meanwhile, Anderson – who missed Monday’s game vs. Utah after being listed as doubtful – is not likely to be in uniform when New Orleans (27-25) wraps up the unofficial first half of the regular season.
“With Ryan, it doesn’t look like he’s going to be able to play tomorrow,” Williams said. “He wasn’t able to do anything today (at Pelicans practice), outside of treatment.”
New Orleans dropped to 2-4 without Davis this season Monday, unable to hold on to a double-digit second-half lead vs. Utah. The Pelicans are 25-21 when Davis plays.
“I would hate to put a percentage or chance on it,” Williams said of a possible Davis return Wednesday. “There’s a chance he could play, but it’s all about how he feels when he wakes up (Wednesday), because he did a lot today, from treatment to on-court stuff. Very little physical stuff. So we’ll see how he feels tomorrow. Every day he’s feeling better, so I wouldn’t rule it out. Hopefully he can play tomorrow.”
On Monday, Davis told Fox Sports New Orleans sideline reporter Jennifer Hale that he plans to play in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game.
Asked about Davis’ status for the league’s midseason showcase game, Williams said, “I have no idea about that. I’m sure Mickey (Loomis) and Dell (Demps) will have conversations with him, but I’m sure if he can play and feels good, I don’t see why he wouldn’t play in the game.”