Pelicans Reveal McCollum's Return Date

Pelicans star CJ McCollum has finally been given a return date after being absent for almost a month.

McCollum Injury

CJ has missed the last 11 games for the Pelicans since getting injured against the Hawks on November 4th. The injury was revealed to be a small pneumothorax in his right lung (collapsed lung). Interestingly, this is the second time that McCollum has suffered from this injury, as he also missed 18 games for the Trailblazers in 2021 due to the same issue. However, this time, he is set to recover much sooner, with his return date now revealed.

Return Date


As per NBA insider Shams Charania, the Pelicans have been monitoring McCollum and have planned for the former Most Improved Player to return this week. It has not been officially confirmed exactly when he will return to the lineup, but it is believed that his comeback will occur in either the 76ers or the Spurs game.

Pelicans and CJ McCollum, out since Nov. 4 due to small lung collapse, set a target for his return to action: pic.twitter.com/WS6zouOhwm— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2023

McCollum's Recent Form

While his scoring and assists numbers have remained fairly consistent over the last several seasons, this year McCollum has made a massive leap on the defensive side of the ball. CJ was averaging a career high in rebounds, blocks, and steals before his injury and was pivotal in New Orleans starting 4-2 for the season.

Since his absence, the Pelicans have become mediocre and boast a record of just 5-6. With McCollum's return, we can expect them to regain their form and get back on track toward pushing for a playoff position.