CJ McCollum is day-to-day with a nose contusion and will not play in Atlanta's preseason opener against the Grizzlies on Monday. The Hawks will lean on their rotation without him as he aims for a return by Oct. 8.
What happened
The Hawks listed CJ McCollum as day-to-day on Monday at 5:35 p.m. ET with a nose and head issue. No previous status had been announced for the guard. Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reported that McCollum is out for Monday's preseason opener against the Grizzlies because of a nose contusion. The injury report does not list any further detail on severity beyond the day-to-day designation and the nose and head notation.
What it means for the Hawks
McCollum will miss Atlanta's preseason opener against the Grizzlies on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. Last season he averaged 18.7 points, 3.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 29.8 minutes across 76 games for the Hawks. With him out, rotation minutes have gone to Jalen Johnson at 35.2 minutes and 22.5 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker at 33.4 minutes and 20.8 points, and Trae Young at 28.0 minutes and 19.3 points, among others. The Hawks are 0-0 with the 2026-27 season not yet underway, so there is no record to compare with and without McCollum this season.
What to watch
McCollum's expected return is Oct. 8, according to the injury report. The next update on his status will come with Atlanta's following injury report ahead of its next preseason game. The Hawks have more preseason games before the 2026-27 regular season opens, and McCollum's next appearance will depend on how the nose contusion responds.
Is CJ McCollum playing vs Grizzlies?
No. McCollum is day-to-day with a nose contusion and is out for Monday's preseason opener against the Grizzlies.
When will CJ McCollum be back?
His expected return is Oct. 8, 2026, according to the injury report.