CJ McCollum Cleared To Return For Pelicans

Veteran guard CJ McCollum has exited the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols and will be available to play for the Pelicans on Tuesday vs. Phoenix, the team announced today (via Twitter).

McCollum entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols last Thursday and missed New Orleans’ games against Charlotte on Friday and Houston on Sunday.

The Pelicans split those games and remain well positioned to qualify for the play-in tournament in the Western Conference. At 28-40, they’re the No. 10 seed, one game behind the No. 9 Lakers (29-39) and 1.5 games up on the No. 11 Trail Blazers (26-41).

Devonte’ Graham entered the Pelicans’ starting lineup during McCollum’s two-game absence, but figures to return to the second unit on Tuesday. Graham and Jose Alvarado will likely play reduced roles after seeing a bump in minutes with McCollum out.

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