Pelicans F Ryan Anderson To Return From Knee Injury Tonight

The New Orleans Pelicans will get one of their core players back from injury tonight versus the Los Angeles Lakers, as forward Ryan Anderson will see the court for the first time since February when he suffered a knee injury.

With only 9 games remaining, the Pelicans are fighting for the 8th and final playoff spot, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by 2.5 games.

"It’s tough being injured and sitting out, especially as you get closer and closer to the end of the season,” Anderson said in a statement released by the team. “We’re in this playoff race; it’s tough sitting out. Obviously I’ve been wanting to do everything to come back. Today I feel good. I did a lot of strengthening exercises and a full practice yesterday. I just have to get warmed up and ready, but I’m excited, ready to go.”

Anderson sprained his MCL on February 21rst against the Miami Heat, missing the last 18 contests for New Orleans.

Tonight, the Pelicans play the first of 3 road games in 4 days, taking on the Lakers at 9:30.