1) In a third straight nail-biter, the Pelicans lost in Phoenix 74-72, limited to under 20 points in each quarter.
2) Anthony Davis missed Thursday’s game due to a left ankle injury he sustained during shootaround; Omer Asik left in the second half with a calf strain. Their status is uncertain for Friday’s game at Golden State (9:30 p.m. Central, Fox Sports New Orleans). The Pelicans wrap up the weekend Sunday at the L.A. Clippers (2:30 p.m. Central, Fox Sports New Orleans).
3) New Orleans (37-31) slipped a full game behind Oklahoma City (38-30) for the first time in a while in the race for eighth place in the Western Conference. Phoenix (36-33) breathed life back into its playoff hopes and evened the season series with the Pelicans at one game apiece.
4) Watch postgame video reaction from Monty Williams, Eric Gordon and Norris Cole, the latter two among the few players who notched double-digit scoring Thursday.
5) Thursday’s Black & Blue Report included a visit from USA Today/NBA writer Sam Amick. Listen to Friday's podcast for more from Monty Williams and Pelicans wing Elliot Williams.