NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis didn't play in Friday night's 116-97 loss against Washington because of his sprained left ankle.
Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said he is "optimistic" about Davis' prospects for returning Sunday afternoon against Utah. Nikola Mirotic started at power forward in Davis' absence and had nine points and 12 rebounds.
Gentry said Davis went through pregame drills to test his ankle and did not appear ready to return from the injury, which occurred in the third quarter of Wednesday night's victory at Sacramento.
Davis has averaged 28.1 points and 11.1 rebounds this season, and his production has surged during the franchise-record-tying 10-game winning streak the Pelicans rode into their game against the Wizards. Davis has scored 41 or more points five times and as many as 53 during the streak.
