New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - The New Orleans Hornets will have both of their two prized rookies back in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, with the team confirming that forward Anthony Davis and guard Austin Rivers have each been cleared to play.
Davis, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft, has missed the Hornets' last two contests after sustaining a concussion last Friday against Utah. Rivers, taken by New Orleans with the 10th overall selection back in June, sat out Wednesday's 77-62 loss to Philadelphia with a sprained finger.
The 19-year-old Davis made an outstanding first impression prior to getting hurt, pouring in 21 points and collecting seven rebounds in New Orleans' season-opening loss to San Antonio. The former Kentucky star had eight points and six rebounds in just 14 minutes prior to exiting the Utah game.
Rivers has had a slower start to his pro career, with the Duke product hitting just 5-of-25 field goal attempts over his three outings while averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 assists.
