Anderson scores 36, leads Pelicans past Kings, 114-105

Davis is out because of a concussion suffered during New Orleans’ loss to Houston on Monday night. Anderson normally comes off the bench to provide instant offense, but he tied his career high with 36 points, with most of it due to his quick start. Since this explosion came against the Kings, one of their main competitors they’ll have to leapfrog, this was a huge game for the Pellies.

Dejean-Jones, an undrafted rookie out of Iowa State who was with New Orleans in training camp, highlighted his first start with three 3-pointers and a driving dunk in which he switched hands from left to right as he went up past Cousins.

A win against the Kings is crucial for the Pelicans, as the game has substantial post-season implications.

Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016.

Evans, 26, has battled pertinent knee issues this season, but has still managed averages of 15.2 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 6.6 assists per game.

Kings associate head coach Chad Iske stood in for head coach George Karl, who was out sick.

“We were fighting from behind from the very beginning”. It was an important game so I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself….

“I thought it was another good team win”.

But Anderson scored seven points in the final 1:06 of the half – two free throws, a 3-pointer and a two-point jumper – to give the Pelicans a 63-53 halftime lead.

The New Orleans Pelicans season has been nothing short of A Nightmare on Bourbon Street, and now a big-time roster shakeup could be in the works. Anderson finished with 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting in the first half. The Pelicans, plagued by injuries all season, sent out their 21st different starting lineup of the season…. The Pelicans improved to 1-5 when Davis does not play….

Next up, a Saturday night showdown with the Brooklyn Nets (12-34).