Anthony Davis injury: Pelicans big man fractures hand, out 4-6 weeks

Through 16 games, the second-year big man is averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds and nearly four blocks per game.

The Pelicans are 12 points per 100 possessions and eight points per 100 possessions better when Davis is on the floor, again via Basketball-Reference.

Without specifics, it’s hard to say when the second-year forward can step back onto the court.

It matters quite a bit where the break occurred on the bone, Dr. Mark S. Cohen told NBA.com regarding Boozer’s injury.

Needless to say, the 8-8 Pelicans -- who are pushing hard for the playoffs after trading for Holiday and signing Evans -- need Davis back as soon as possible to keep pace in the West.

The quickness of Davis’ return could be the difference between the Pelicans getting a playoff series or two and New Orleans watching the Sixers use their lottery pick in June. In the interest of good basketball, let’s hope for a speedy recovery.

Davis played 10 minutes before leaving the game, scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds. The big man went to the locker room and returned to the bench wearing a wrap on his left hand.

If Davis has to miss any significant amount of time, it would be a huge blow for a New Orleans team that is 7-8 in a deep Western Conference.