Pelicans Rule Out CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram vs. Raptors
The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be a tad shorthanded Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors.
CJ McCollum has now been ruled out for the fourth straight game, following a stint in the NBA's Health & Safety protocols. He'll miss the game due to "competition reconditioning," the team announced.
McCollum joins Brandon Ingram who had already been ruled out due to a left big toe contusion, along with E.J. Liddell and now Naji Marshall. Larry Nance Jr. will play for New Orleans.
Without McCollum and Ingram, Zion Williamson will be asked to shoulder the bulk of the offensive workload for the Pelicans alongside Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. The 22-year-old Murphy has scored at least 20 points in each of the last two games for New Orleans.
Expect the Raptors to stick O.G. Anunoby on the former No. 1 pick as Toronto tries to keep Williamson out of the paint where he's been so dominant this season. Toronto will likely double team Williamson, forcing him to move the ball around, especially to the corners where the Pelicans have struggled mightily this season.
Toronto, meanwhile, remains without Precious Achiuwa and Otto Porter Jr. Both Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes came out of Monday's game healthy and will play Wednesday.
Further Reading
Scottie Barnes in awe of Pascal Siakam: 'Low-key' wants to Copy Siakam's moves
Raptors get back on track with Pascal Siakam, reaching 20-game mark with victory over Cavs
Raptors Provide Updated Timeline on Precious Achiuwa: Still 'Weeks' Away