Anthony Davis suffers right shoulder sprain in win over Heat

Anthony Davis is out again.

After missing a pair of contests and the All-Star Game with a right shoulder sprain, the New Orleans Pelicans star aggravated the injury Saturday night against the Miami Heat. He injured his shoulder on a shot attempt in the paint during the first quarter and didn't return. 

Davis was grimacing in obvious pain before heading to the locker room for X-rays. According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, Davis sustained another shoulder sprain and will undergo further testing Sunday. 

The 21-year-old, who returned Friday in a loss to the Orlando Magic, had six points and six rebounds in nine minutes before leaving.

Any extended absence for Davis will cause a serious blow to the Pelicans' playoff hopes. Surpassing a relatively healthy and revamped Oklahoma City Thunder team was going to be tough enough, but it would appear to be near-impossible without the team's leading scorer.

New Orleans is already without point guard Jrue Holiday, and forward Ryan Anderson left Saturday's game, as well, after suffering a right knee sprain.

The Pelicans, following Saturday's 105-91 win over the Heat, are two games behind the Thunder for eighth place in the loaded Western Conference, and also trail the Phoenix Suns by half a game. It could shape up to be an intriguing three-team race over the final third of the season, more so if Davis and Anderson aren't forced out long term.

Davis is averaging 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and a league-leading 2.72 blocks.