McCollum has shouldered more of the scoring load in games the Pelicans have been without Zion Williamson. He is averaging 30.6 points in January in the seven games Williamson has missed. McCollum is averaging just 13 points in the four games Williamson also played.

Lillard was a teammate of Pelicans guard CJ McCollum for 8 1/2 seasons (2013-22) in Portland, and McCollum is coming off a significant performance of his own. He scored 45 points, including 31 after halftime, six of which came in overtime of a 123-119 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz on Monday night.

New Orleans hosts the Milwaukee Bucks after CJ McCollum scored 45 points in the New Orleans Pelicans' 123-119 overtime win against the Utah Jazz

The Pelicans trailed by 25 points before rallying, mostly behind McCollum, to win their fourth straight and seventh in the last 10. It's been an incredible midseason turnaround for New Orleans, which has gone 12-32 while battling through a rash of key injuries and illnesses.

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While Williamson is an obvious trade chip given his injury history, selling the rest of the squad in favor of young talents, expiring contracts and draft capital could help them pivot to a rebuild.

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 29 points with seven assists and Luke Kennard added a season-high 27 as the host Memphis Grizzlies won their fifth straight with a 139-126 victory Friday over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans had their season-best four-game win streak snapped.

The New Orleans Pelicans (12-32) are visiting the Memphis Grizzlies (29-15) on Friday night; find out how to watch the free live stream here.

With the Feb. 6 trade deadline a little more than a week away, theScore's NBA editors answer some of the biggest questions around the league.Which contender needs to make a move?Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are within striking distance of the West's No.

Hall of Fame former NBA shooting guard/small forward Vince Carter — who currently is tied with 21-time All-Star Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James for the most seasons played in the history of the league with 22 — likes what he's seen out of young Portland Trail Blazers point guard Anfernee Simons this season.

There’s no doubt that Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler wants to play for the Phoenix Suns. He would reportedly be happy with a trade to the Dallas Mavericks or Golden State Warriors as well.