National Basketball Association

Pelicans without Davis vs. Suns because of back spasms

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:57 p.m. ET

foxsports

NEW ORLEANS -- Pelicans coach Monty Williams says All-Star forward Anthony Davis is unable to play in Wednesday night's game against Phoenix because of back spasms.

Davis has been playing through back pain recently, though it limited him to only 11 minutes in a loss at Denver last Wednesday and 23 minutes in a loss at Utah last Friday night.

Davis played 34 minutes in a loss at Portland on Sunday, and Williams says Davis wants to keep playing, but the team has decided he needs more rest.

Davis is averaging 20.8 points, 10 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game.

His absence comes as New Orleans tries to snap a five-game skid against the Suns, who are trying to secure one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference.