Anthony Davis hurts back diving into the stands; does not return

Anthony Davis had to leave the game after diving over the first row of seats to grab a loose ball.

NEW ORLEANS — Pelicans forward Anthony Davis has bruised his lower back diving into the stands during New Orleans’ game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

The Pelicans say Davis won’t return to the game.

Davis dove into the stands on the defensive end early in the first quarter while pursuing a rebound that had been deflected toward the sideline. Davis was able to prevent the ball from landing out of bounds, but he saved the ball to the Pacers, who wound up with foul shots on the play.

He remained in the game for a few seconds before checking out and heading to the locker room.

Davis entered the game with team-leading averages of 23.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.

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