The Trail Blazers understand what they'll be up against Friday night when Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans visit Portland for a Western Conference encounter.

The 6-11 Davis ranks third in the NBA in scoring (29.4) and rebounds (13.4) and second in blocked shots (2.6). The perennial All-Star is on a short list among contenders for the annual Most Valuable Player Award.

"He can score in so many ways," Portland center Zach Collins said. "He'll back you down, ball handle, score on dribble pull-ups, floaters, fadeaways. He's a really good, versatile offensive player, and he's really good at the defensive end, too -- a great rim protector. When you drive in the paint, you know he's coming. He does it on both ends."