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Bird Feed: Pelicans Tumble in Power Rankings

When you go 0-2 in a week, even without Anthony Davis, there will be consequences.

By David Fisher
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

SB Nation

Steady at 15.

If the Pelicans make the playoffs, it'll be solely on the strength of Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon, Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis. That group makes up four of the seven Pelicans players with a positive +/-, and the remaining three are deep bench players (Toney Douglas, Jimmer Fredette, Nate Wolters).

NBA.com

Down four spots to 15.

Anthony Davis' shoulder injury took the Pelicans into the break with a three-game losing streak and an 8-12 record against the Eastern Conference, with half of those losses coming against East teams under .500. Six of their first nine games after the break are against that group, providing an opportunity for redemption and to stay alive in the West.

ESPN

Down four spots to 16.

The Pels entered the All-Star break on a low note, with Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday all hurt. But if they can get all three back this week, don't rush to write New Orleans off in the battle for No. 8 in the West headlined by Phoenix and OKC. (Mason Ginsberg, Bourbon Street Shots)

Sports Illustrated

Did not update on Monday.

Yahoo! Sports

Down three spots to 16.

Anthony Davis is expected to return from a shoulder sprain Friday at Orlando. New Orleans is 1.5 games out of the West playoff race.

CBS Sports

Did not update on Monday.

News of Note

The Western Conference meat grinder adds another competent NBA player.

Former favorite of mine Larry Sanders might be bought out soon in Milwaukee.

Zach Lowe's always excellent article included this significant piece of information in the second paragraph.

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