The New Orleans Pelicans got off to a strong start to the season, and CJ McCollum was playing like an MVP candidate, putting the team on his shoulders even when Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram weren’t on the floor.
That’s why it’s such great news to know that he’s going to be back on the floor tonight when they face the Philadelphia 76ers after missing the past 12 games with a collapsed lung.
New Orleans guard CJ McCollum is expected to make his return to the lineup vs. Philadelphia tonight, sources tell ESPN. He’s been out since Nov. 4 with a collapsed lung. The Pelicans are 5-7 without him. pic.twitter.com/FpyxhrXOWn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 29, 2023
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pelicans have gone 5-7 without the former Portland Trail Blazers combo guard.
McCollum gives the Pelicans another ball-handler and shot initiator, and while he’s not a good defender, he opens up so many things for them offensively.
The Pelicans are an up-and-coming team, but it’s been long enough since they’ve had that distinction.
It’s about time they take a leap forward, and they’ve shown that they can compete with the best teams in the league when they’re at full strength.
Fortunately for them, they’ve been able to have Zion on the floor more often than not, so getting McCollum back should propel them back to postseason contention.
The Pelicans are sitting on a 9-9 record and the ninth spot in the Western Conference, but they’re just 4.5 games behind the first-place Minnesota Timberwolves, so all they need is a hot stretch to get right back into the mix.
McCollum was able to avoid a life-threatening injury, and he’s now expected to resume his All-Star-caliber play when his team is in desperate need of another scoring punch.
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Insider Reveals Potential Return Date For CJ McCollum