Report: McCollum expected to return from lung injury vs. Magic
Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum is expected to make his return to the lineup Monday against the Orlando Magic, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
The 30-year-old has been out since suffering a collapsed right lung Dec. 4 against the Boston Celtics.
In 24 appearances prior to the injury, McCollum averaged 20.6 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in over 35 minutes a night. He's shot 39.3% on 8.2 long-range attempts per game.
Portland has gone 5-12 with McCollum out of the lineup - a span that includes eight games without star backcourt mate Damian Lillard, who is currently sidelined with an abdomen injury.
Entering Friday's slate, the Trail Blazers own a moribund 16-25 record, putting them on pace for the 10th seed - the final play-in berth. Portland entered the campaign with the longest active playoff streak, qualifying in each of the past eight seasons.
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