Pelicans' Davis sprains ankle in NBA pre-season game in Beijing

Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts in pain as he injures his ankle near Nene of the Houston Rockets during a preseasons match in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Oct 12, 2016. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis sprained his right ankle in a pre-season game in Beijing on Wednesday and could reportedly miss the team's NBA regular-season opener.

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry confirmed that Davis was hurt after their 116-114 defeat to the Houston Rockets.

"I know it's an ankle sprain," Gentry told reporters. "Not sure what grade it is. I haven't talked to the trainers yet."

Davis was injured when he stepped on the foot of Rockets center Nene Hilario with 6:37 left to play in the first quarter of the contest.

The 23-year-old Davis declined to comment and wore a boot on his injured foot as he departed the arena.

It's another blow for the top pick in the 2012 draft, who had season-ending surgery in March to repair a stress reaction problem in his left knee cap and missed the final 21 games of the regular season as well as a chance to play in the Rio Olympics.

Davis also suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder last season that did not require surgery. In 61 games last season he averaged 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2 blocks.