The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a big win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday, but they will have a tough test ahead on Tuesday night against the NBA-best Phoenix Suns. While Brandon Ingram is currently out with a hamstring injury and CJ McCollum missed their last pair of contests, they did manage to pull out a victory. Ingram remains sidelined but, is CJ McCollum playing vs Suns?
Is CJ McCollum Playing vs Suns
The answer is yes, McCollum will play on Tuesday night after clearing health and safety protocols:
CJ missed the last two games for the Pelicans but since the league has eased off on the COVID rules, he's able to return to the fold already. In his absence, New Orleans went 1-1, including a blowout loss to the Charlotte Hornets, followed by the win in Houston.
His return is definitely good news, though. The last time the Pelicans played the Suns, they beat them in the desert behind a 32-point performance from McCollum. It will be harder this time around without Ingram, but having CJ running the point gives them a fighting chance.
The veteran guard has been a revelation since coming over at the trade deadline, averaging 27.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds on 40% shooting from downtown. He's one of the main reasons the Pelicans are in the mix for a play-in spot. Although it's unlikely Zion Williamson plays this season, this current core NOLA has is very, very exciting.
So to answer the question, is CJ McCollum playing tonight? The answer is yes. Let's see if the team can possibly upset the Suns again.