Jrue Holiday aggravates stress reaction in leg, out at least 3 more weeks

The New Orleans Pelicans' chances of fighting off the Oklahoma City Thunder and jumping the Phoenix Suns for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference took a major hit Wednesday.

The Pelicans announced that injured point guard Jrue Holiday has aggravated the stress reaction in his lower right leg. As a result, he'll miss at least three more weeks before being re-evaluated. A timetable for his return remains unclear.

Holiday has been sidelined with the injury since Jan. 12, and, as of Jan. 21, was only expected to miss two-to-four weeks. Such is the nature of stress injuries, which can be difficult to predict.

Holiday's extended absence is a huge loss for the Pelicans, as he's not only their lone natural point guard, but he's one of the very best at defending the position in the league. The Pelicans have gone 9-7 without him, thanks in part to strong offensive play at the one from Tyreke Evans, but the team is 5.4 points per 100 possessions worse without Holiday for the season.

Anthony Davis is the team's best and most important player, but the impact of Holiday's absence can't be overstated. With just a game-and-a-half separating eighth and 10th in the West, relying on Jimmer Fredette and Toney Douglas for meaningful minutes for the next 12-plus games may cost New Orleans a crucial win or two, if not more.

In 37 games before the injury, Holiday was averaging 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.6 steals, while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from long range. He was posting a player efficiency rating of 18.6, good for 14th among point guards.