The New Orleans Pelicans have experienced inconsistency in the initial stages of the 2023-24 season. Notably, they secured a victory against the reigning champions, the Nuggets, but faced defeat against the Utah Jazz on another night. To fulfill their ambitious goal of winning the NBA title in the future, the team must identify and implement a sustainable formula for success. However, buoyed by the return of CJ McCollum, the Pelicans won their last game against the Sixers 124-114.

After his impressive return, CJ McCollum provided insights into his road to recovery after he suffered a collapsed lung against the Atlanta Hawks.

CJ McCollum and his health scare

McCollum suffered a brutal collapsed lung against the Hawks on 4th November. The injury ruled him out for almost a month, however, McCollum made a swift recovery. He scored 20 points in 28 minutes against the 76ers, as he helped the Pelicans win after they suffered two consecutive losses at the hands of the Jazz. Following his remarkable comeback, CJ McCollum spoke about his recovery in the post-match conference. He said, “I felt like an old person. I was on oxygen for a while. I looked at my wife and I was like, ‘Is this what it’s gonna be like when I’m older?’ Like pushing the oxygen to the bathroom and stuff.”

The return of CJ McCollum has provided the Pelicans with a morale boost and his impact was immediately felt, as they defeated an in-form Sixers side. Securing a win against the Sixers propelled them to the 8th position in the Western Conference standings, with a record of 10 wins and 9 losses. However, the Pelicans still miss key players like Matt Ryan (calf) and Trey Murphy III (meniscus) through nagging injuries. With the roster almost back to full strength, can the Pelicans improve their current form?

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Favorable run of fixtures

After ending their two-game losing streak, the Pelicans would look to build on their morale-boosting victory against the Sixers. Luckily, the Pelicans are almost back to full strength, with only Matt Ryan and Trey Murphy III sidelined through injury. In addition to this, a favorable stretch of upcoming fixtures for New Orleans provides them with the opportunity to strengthen their playoff aspirations by going on a winning streak.

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In their next eight games, the Pelicans face out-of-form teams like Spurs twice and Grizzlies, Bulls, Hornets, Wizards all once. With everything falling into place for the Pelicans at the moment, could this season mark their declaration as serious contenders for the NBA title? Let us know in the comments below!

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