New Orleans Pelicans DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (adductor) will return from a 13-game absence on Monday versus Indiana. The veteran played in only four games at the start of the season before landing on the shelf with an adductor injury. McCollum returns to action against a team that struggles on the defensive end and is in a situation where he will likely need to take on additional offensive responsibilities, with Brandon Ingram (calf) ruled out for the contest. The return of McCollum will negatively impact Elfrid Payton's fantasy stock.

New Orleans Pelicans point guard Dejounte Murray (hand) suffered a fracture in his left hand on opening night and hasn't been able to take the court since. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Murray "intends" to return on Wednesday when the Pelicans host the Toronto Raptors. Fantasy managers will want to stay tuned to see if there will be a heavy minute restriction, but he would still be a starter in most leagues regardless.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (shoulder) will miss a 14th straight game on Monday versus Indiana. Jones was ruled out for 2-4 weeks with a right shoulder sprain at the start of the month, meaning he's getting close to returning. But Monday's game comes too soon for him. Brandon Boston Jr. and Jordan Hawkins should continue to see extended minutes during Jones' absence. However, the Pelicans rotation will soon get a major tweak, with CJ McCollum (adductor) and Dejounte Murray (hand) on the cusp of rejoining the action. There's a strong chance McCollum will already be back on Monday.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) has been handed a doubtful designation for Monday's game against Indiana. It's likely Murray will remain out for a 17th consecutive game, but it looks like he isn't far away from returning anymore. Murray had a very unfortunate opening to the campaign when he fractured his left hand in New Orleans' first game. CJ McCollum (adductor) is also nearing a return, and the two are set to give the Pelicans a big lift. Brandon Boston Jr.'s position in the rotation will be under threat once the Pelicans backcourt is healthy.

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (adductor) has been listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of Monday's clash with Indiana. McCollum last played on Oct. 29, missing 13 games, but he appears to be on the cusp of returning to the lineup. On Saturday, McCollum went through a full-contact practice. McCollum's return will push Elfrid Payton to the bench, where he won't have any fantasy value. Across four games this season, McCollum has averaged 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 steals.