Pelicans' McCollum returns in loss to Pacers
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum recorded 23 points and four rebounds in the team's 114-110 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
McCollum had missed 13 games due to an adductor strain.
Brandon Ingram didn't play in Monday's clash because of calf soreness, while rookie center Yves Missi also came back after missing New Orleans' last contest due to shoulder soreness.
Pelicans guard Elfrid Payton added 14 points and an NBA season-high 21 assists in the defeat, while Tyrese Haliburton dropped 34 points and 13 assists for the Pacers.
McCollum had previously played four games this season, averaging 18.8 points, four assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 34.3 minutes of action.
The Pelicans acquired the guard from the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022. He's averaged 21 points, 5.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and one steal since joining the club.
New Orleans has been decimated by injuries to start the campaign and is currently without Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado. Dejounte Murray, who hasn't played since the team's season opener, will reportedly return Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors.
The Pelicans rank last in the Western Conference with a 4-13 record.