Pelicans shooting guard CJ McCollum has exited health and safety protocols and has been cleared to return, the team announced.
McCollum will be available to play vs. the Suns on Tuesday night. He entered protocols last week, missing two games (vs. the Hornets and Rockets). The Pelicans split those games.
CJ McCollum (Health & Safety Protocols) has been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game vs. Phoenix
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 15, 2022
McCollum, 30, was acquired in a trade with the Trail Blazers ahead of the February deadline. He has been outstanding in New Orleans, averaging career-highs of 27.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 12 appearances.
The Pelicans (28-40) trail the Lakers by one game for ninth place in the Western Conference. So New Orleans is in decent position to at least qualify for the play-in tournament.
“Devonte’ Graham entered the Pelicans’ starting lineup during McCollum’s two-game absence, but figures to return to the second unit on Tuesday,” wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors. “Graham and Jose Alvarado will likely play reduced roles after seeing a bump in minutes with McCollum out.”
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