Awful news out of New Orleans: All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins will officially miss the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles in the 4th quarter of last night's victory v. HOU:

Cousins was in the midst of one of his best seasons ever - avg. 25.2 ppg, 12.9 rpg & 5.4 apg - and on track to reach the postseason for the first time in his 8-year career.

Huge, huge blow to the Pelicans' playoff hopes - though they're currently at 6th in the West (27-21), it won't be easy staving off hard charging teams like Portland, Denver & LA (Clippers).

Cousins, 27, has career averages of 21.5 points, 11 boards & 3.2 dimes/night.