As the struggling New Orleans Pelicans look to make a final push for the Playoffs in the Western Conference, an injury to all-star center DeMarcus Cousins' right ankle is not going to bode well for their cause. Multiple league sources have reported that Cousins will be missing Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets due to the said ankle injury

The New Orleans Pelicans struck gold coming out of the All-Star break by acquiring DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings. However, according to NBA.com, the all-star big man's scoring output has slightly decreased ever since arriving in New Orleans, but he is still stuffing up the stat sheet with impressive numbers of 22.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in his first 13 games with his new team.

However, despite putting up amazing stats, DeMarcus Cousins has been unable to avoid the injury bug over the past few seasons. The three-time All-Star had missed 23 games during the 2014-15 because of different kinds of ailments, including a time where he had viral meningitis. In addition, the all-star big was also absent for 17 games last season due to injury

However, this season has been somewhat of a resurgence for DeMarcus
DeMarcus Cousins, who has been healthy all throughout the season and playing the best basketball of his career. According to NOLA., through 68 games, the 26-year-old Cousins is currently averaging 26.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, including a career-high 4.6 assists per game this season.

With DeMarcus Cousins sidelined, forward Dante Cunningham will be starting in his place. Superstar Anthony Davis will be having a different role, sliding over to the center spot and should have the majority of his minutes there.

Beyond DeMarcus Cousins and Davis, the Pelicans don't have much frontcourt depth. This means thats losing either one of them for through injury for any length of time makes their already slim chances of reaching the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference even more unlikely.

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