3 things to watch: Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans

3 of 4

PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 18: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at Moda Center on January 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

How much will we see Anthony Davis?

What a circus all the Anthony Davis drama has been. On Jan. 25, Davis told New Orleans he wouldn’t re-sign with them when his contract was up and that he’d prefer to be traded.

Since then, the Pelicans have been in disarray. They didn’t get a deal done at the deadline — even refusing to hear offers from the Lakers at one point — and are left with the fallout.

Davis has been a lame duck, playing just under 23 minutes per game since returning from injury and hardly touching the floor in the fourth quarter.

Before the All-Star break, Davis even left a game against the Thunder early with agent Rich Paul — which led to longtime general manager Dell Demps getting fired.

So how much of AD will we see? Chances are it will be in the 20-minute range, but you can never tell with New Orleans.

It also would not be surprising to the Pelicans shut him down completely for the Nuggets game, as the they will be coming off a game against the Suns Friday.

But who knows, the Pelicans have seemingly faltered at every step of this process. Another change to the plan moving forward would only be fitting.

If AD doesn’t play — or stays limited in his minutes — expect Julius Randle to continue to benefit the most.

Home/Nuggets News