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Report: McCollum expected to return from lung injury vs. Magic

Abbie Parr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum is expected to make his return to the lineup Monday against the Orlando Magic, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The 30-year-old has been out since suffering a collapsed right lung Dec. 4 against the Boston Celtics.

In 24 appearances prior to the injury, McCollum averaged 20.6 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in over 35 minutes a night. He's shot 39.3% on 8.2 long-range attempts per game.

Portland has gone 5-12 with McCollum out of the lineup - a span that includes eight games without star backcourt mate Damian Lillard, who is currently sidelined with an abdomen injury.

Entering Friday's slate, the Trail Blazers own a moribund 16-25 record, putting them on pace for the 10th seed - the final play-in berth. Portland entered the campaign with the longest active playoff streak, qualifying in each of the past eight seasons.

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