CJ

McCollum

After shooting 7-of-20 from the field in Wednesday’s blowout loss to Toronto, McCollum was far better on Friday. He shot over 50% from the field and finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. He’ll look to build on this performance on Sunday when the Pelicans visit the Knicks.

It was McCollum’s first game since October 29th as he had been out with a right adductor strain. He shook off the rust nicely as he had 23 points in 31 minutes, but ultimately was -13 in the four-point loss. The Pelicans were in desperate need of reinforcements and they should get another one soon with the impending return of Dejounte Murray.

McCollum will appear in a game for the first time since October 29, giving New Orleans a much-needed infusion of talent and depth on the perimeter. Elfrid Payton and Brandon Boston Jr. will take hits to their respective fantasy values, but fantasy managers should not expect to see McCollum take on a full workload immediately.

McCollum will make his return following a 13-game absence, and he should see big minutes immediately due to the Pelicans’ injury-laden roster. Missi was sidelined for Friday’s loss to Golden State, but he’s on track to return following a one-game absence.

McCollum has missed the team’s last 13 games, but there is a chance that he returns to the lineup on Monday. New Orleans is in desperate need of reinforcements, and McCollum’s return should help them turn things around. His return would also push Elfrid Payton to the bench.

Ingram sat out Wednesday against Cleveland on the second leg of a back-to-back set, but he’ll be back following that one-game absence. Hawkins has missed seven straight and eight of the last nine, but he’ll return against the Warriors. With McCollum and so many key players still sidelined, Ingram and Hawkins will be leaned on heavily against the top team in the Western Conference.

McCollum likely won’t play, but this is still progress for him. He has been sidelined since October and has only played four games this season. When he returns, he will push the recently signed Elfrid Payton to a reserve role.

McCollum fully participated in practice on Monday, while Hawkins was only able to participate in certain parts. Both are still listed out for Tuesday’s game against the Mavs, but it appears that they’re both close to returning. When that happens, Brandon Boston Jr., Javonte Green and Jaylen Nowell will all lose minutes and value.

It has been two weeks since the initial reports that McCollum would miss 2-3 weeks. He’s getting very close to returning and would be a big addition to the Pelicans’ rotation due to the plethora of other injuries they have been managing. Javonte Green replaced the injured Jose Alvarado in their last game, but he would return to a bench role when McCollum is available to make his return.

The injuries continue to pile up for New Orleans as McCollum and Jones will join Dejounte Murray on the sidelines for the foreseeable future. Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins will continue to see big minutes, while Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson should be focal points of the Pelicans’ offense.