Heading into the New Orleans Pelicans eighth game of the season, both Anthony Davis and Elfrid Payton will be on the sidelines for a third time. For Darius Miller, a fourth. And based on his latest streak of questionable impacts, one can’t help but wonder if Julius Randle needs some time off to rest the plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
It’s early and plenty of games remain on the schedule, but it’s a disturbing trend when remembering New Orleans injury history. When the core was fully available, the Pelicans looked like world beaters through the first four games.