Lakers’ Davis out at least 2-3 weeks
Anthony Davis’ injured Achilles tendon isn’t ruptured, and he will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks, ESPN reported Monday.
It’s unlikley Davis will return to the Lakers lineup until after the NBA’s All-Star break, which runs from March 5-10.
The All-NBA first-teamer left the Lakers’ game against the Nuggts during the second quarter Sunday night with an apparent aggravation of the tendonosis that has bothered his right heel for at least two weeks. The seven-time All-Star had already missed five games this season with various minor injuries.
The defending league champion Lakers (21-7) have nine games left before the All-Star break, starting Tuesday against the Timberwolves. Sitting in second place in the Western Conference, they’re likely to be cautious with their superstar big man with an eye on keeping him healthy for the stretch run.
Davis’ offensive production is down this season with the Lakers less reliant on him after the additions of Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol.
The nine-year veteran is averaging 22.5 points — his lowest scoring average since his second season — along with 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.
The Cavaliers will sit former All-Star C Andre Drummond in upcoming games while they pursue a trade for him, according to reports. The trade deadline is March 25. Drummond, 27, who’s in the final year of a contract that will pay him $28.7 million this season, is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in 25 starts . ... The Pistons will sit six-time All-Star F Blake Griffin in upcoming games until the franchise and his representatives work through a resolution on his playing future, ESPN reported. The Pistons will continue to pursue trade scenarios and talks on a contract buyout. Griffin, 31, is owed a remaining $36.6 million this season and $39 million in 2021-22 . ... The Suns assigned rookie F Jalen Smith to the G League. The No. 10 overall draft pick out of Maryland has appeared in just eight games and is averaging 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds . ... The Spurs-Pistons game scheduled for Tuesday night in Detroit was postponed because the Spurs don’t have the league-required eight available players due to COVID-19 protocols.
NFL: Former WR Vincent Jackson was found dead in a hotel room in Brandon, Florida. Jackson was 38. According to hotel staff, Jackson, a South Tampa resident, checked into the hotel Jan. 11 and had been staying in a room since that date. The Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office said it has opened an investigation, but that there were no apparent signs of trauma and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death. Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, played for the Chargers from 2005-2011 and Buccaneers from 2012-16.
NHL: The Devils practiced for the first time this month and will play the Rangers on Tuesday after having their last seven games postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.
Women’s basketball: UConn reached No. 1 in The AP poll for the ninth consecutive season after receiving 26 of 30 first-place votes. The Huskies beat then-No. 1 South Carolina last week.