The Pelicans have found their stride as of late, doing so despite the absence of CJ McCollum, who has missed time after being diagnosed with a collapsed lung in early November.
McCollum enjoyed a strong start to the season, averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 to help the team get off to a 4-2 start. After stumbling in McCollum's absence, New Orleans has since found its footing, winning five of its last seven to move to 9-8 on the year.
How soon could McCollum return? Here's the latest news on his injury.
MORE: NBA In-Season Tournament, explained: Format, schedule and more
What is CJ McCollum's injury?
McCollum has been listed on the injury report with a 'small pneumothorax' in his right lung after imaging was performed on Sunday morning.
According to 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."
How long will CJ McCollum be out?
After he was diagnosed with the injury on Nov. 4, McCollum is targeting a return on Wednesday, Nov. 29 or Friday, Dec. 1, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
This is the second time in his career he has dealt with pneumothorax. In 2021, while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, he missed 18 games, just three weeks prior to being traded to New Orleans.
Here are the next four games on New Orleans' regular-season schedule, with its In-Season Tournament status pending:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Nov. 29 | at Jazz | 9 p.m. | — |
| Nov. 29 | vs. 76ers | 8 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 1 | vs. Spurs | 8 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 2 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
CJ McCollum career stats
- 19.4 points per game
- 3.6 rebounds per game
- 3.7 assists per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 0.4 blocks per game
- 1.8 turnovers per game
- 45.3 percent field goal shooting
- 39.5 percent 3-point shooting
- 80.3 percent free throw shooting
