CJ McCollum has been involved in a Western Conference race to the postseason every year of his NBA career, qualifying for the playoffs eight consecutive times with Portland. For the 30-year-old to add to that streak with New Orleans, he understands that there’s no time like the present for the Pelicans to put themselves in optimal position to do damage this April. With just 18 games remaining in the 82-game slate, nothing’s guaranteed for New Orleans (27-37), which has a chance to move further up the West ladder, but also has not yet secured a play-in tournament spot.
“Every game matters,” McCollum said.