Pelicans Lean on CJ McCollum Ahead of Grizzlies Matchup

The New Orleans Pelicans head to Memphis on Friday night, looking to keep their momentum alive behind the red-hot play of CJ McCollum. With both teams riding winning streaks, this matchup could showcase two surging Western Conference contenders.

McCollum Sparks Pelicans’ Turnaround

CJ McCollum has been the heart of New Orleans’ midseason resurgence. On Monday, McCollum poured in 45 points to fuel the Pelicans’ largest comeback in franchise history, erasing a 25-point deficit in a 123-119 overtime win against the Utah Jazz.

Pelicans coach Willie Green lauded McCollum’s leadership and preparation:
“CJ was incredible. Once he got going, his teammates rallied around him. Without his effort, we don’t win that game.”

In his 12th NBA season, McCollum remains a model of consistency, averaging 22.4 points per game and reaching 20-plus points in nine straight seasons. Despite injuries to stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, McCollum has carried the team on both ends of the court.

“Some nights aren’t great, but the work stays the same,” McCollum said. “This is what I do. Nights like this are the result of preparation.”

McCollum’s ability to stay healthy throughout his career has been a cornerstone of his success. “God has been good to me,” McCollum said. “I don’t take it for granted. My game has aged well.”

Grizzlies Firing on All Cylinders

The Memphis Grizzlies are also in fine form, having won four straight and five of their last six games. In Wednesday’s 132-120 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Memphis raced out to a 30-point halftime lead, fueled by Desmond Bane’s 24 points and eight assists.

Luke Kennard came off the bench for a season-high 23 points, including 18 in the first half. Meanwhile, Ja Morant chipped in with 16 points and 13 assists to power Memphis’ dominant offensive display.

However, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins expressed concern over his team’s second-half effort. “The first half reflected who we want to be,” Jenkins said. “The second half, not so much.”

Bane has been a consistent force, recording 20-plus points in six straight games. Memphis will look to him again as they aim to extend their winning streak and maintain their momentum.

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Key Matchup

The Pelicans will need another big performance from McCollum, especially with Williamson and Ingram potentially sidelined. Memphis’ balanced offense, led by Bane and Morant, will test New Orleans’ defense, while the Grizzlies’ depth adds another layer of complexity.

This game could come down to whether the Pelicans can replicate their recent resilience against a Grizzlies team that thrives on building early leads.