CJ McCollum to Return Tonight

The Portland Trail Blazers are getting a much needed boost to their lineup, as CJ McCollum will be making his first appearance in two months. McCollum was having a stellar year prior to going down with a broken foot on January 16th, averaging career-high 26.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 5.0 apg (also a career-high), while making a league-high 4.8 threes per game. McCollum missed 25 games, but the Blazers were able to remain competitive due to the play of Damian Lillard, as well as a resurgent Carmelo Anthony and CJ's replacement Gary Trent Jr. - going 14-11 in his absence.

👀 @CJMcCollum. Is. Back. pic.twitter.com/RGOyMFLYO8
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 15, 2021

In a nice little coincidence, it was 9 years ago today that McCollum led his 15th-ranked Lehigh over the 2nd-ranked Duke Blue Devils.

9 years ago today, @CJMcCollum put on a show with 30 PTS, 6 AST, 6 REB in No. 15 Lehigh's win over No. 2 Duke!

Coach K: "They had the best player on the court tonight in McCollum."pic.twitter.com/cZuObTws9t
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 16, 2021

Look for CJ to be on a minutes restriction to start his comeback, as Portland will be cautious with their 2nd-leading scorer. The Trail Blazers cannot afford to have McCollum re-injure his foot heading into the playoffs, as they presently sit 6th in the Western Conference playoff race, and will be looking to climb up the standings to secure home-court advantage.