Carroll's back, but can the Raptors beat the Pelicans minus Anthony Davis?

If we're being honest, I had to do a quick scan of Basketball Reference to see who was currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. As you've no doubt heard, the team has been racked by injuries and subsequently tumbled to a 1-7 record. Your heart goes out to New Orleans.

That said, it's hard to feel too too bad for a team featuring alien life force Anthony Davis. His particular basketball qualifications are hard to misunderstand. He's currently averaging 24 points, 9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals while shooting 48 percent. And this is an off year for the young man so far.

The Raptors of last year found a way to lose twice to the Pelicans; both games were close (95-93 in TO, 100-97 in NO) and both were played without Anthony Davis. This remains ominous.

But, celebrate, DeMarre Carroll is playing! Pre-game he talked about his injury.

On the treatment plan:

We had a nice plan. Me and the coaches, and the GM. We got together and came up with a plan. And we stuck by our plan... And I think it turned out good, because I feel way better than I did before.

On what he's been doing and what he hopes to do:

It's been total rest, non-basketball activities. First quarter I think I gotta try to get my rhythm back but, if I just play hard and do what I gotta do, everything else will just take care of itself.

And DeMarre, please tell us what you think about not being able to play:

Kills me, I just hate it. First and foremost, I just hate losing. Secondly, I think I could help my teammates out there, especially with Carmelo, D-Wade and so on.

Now, some pre-game reading:

Here's Colin McGowan at The Cauldron on the Pelicans needing patience.

Then, read John Schuhmann at NBA.com on the Raptors' changing for the post-season.

And finally, Dan Grant has your game preview.

Now, let's get to the comments. The game is set to begin in 30 minutes.