New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard CJ McCollum could make his return from the injured list this week, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
McCollum was diagnosed with a small pneumothorax in his right lung on November 6.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a pneumothorax “occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. This air pushes on the outside of your lung and makes it collapse. A pneumothorax can be a complete lung collapse or a collapse of only a portion of the lung.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
This was the second time in McCollum’s career he suffered a pneumothorax. He had one with the Portland Trail Blazers in December 2021. During that period, the Blazers said McCollum had fully recovered two-and-a-half weeks after the initial diagnosis, but he didn’t return to play for another three weeks after that.
In total, McCollum missed 18 games that season. He returned on January 17, 2022, and was traded to the Pelicans three weeks later.
McCollum has appeared in six games for the Pelicans this season. He’s averaging 21.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 44.0% from the floor, 38.0% from beyond the arc and 74.2% from the free-throw line.
The 32-year-old McCollum has career averages of 19.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Blazers and Pelicans. He’s one of the best scorers in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Pelicans are 9-8 on the season. They are looking to get back to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2023.
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