Indiana Pacers veteran point guard T.J. McConnell will make his season debut Saturday against the Denver Nuggets in Mexico City after missing the first nine games with a right hamstring strain. Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed the news in his pre‑game press conference.
McConnell, 34, sat out all of preseason training camp due to the same hamstring issue that limited him for much of last season. In 2024‑25 he appeared in 56 games, averaging 9.4 points and 5.1 assists in 17.2 minutes per game.
Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (left calf contusion) is also available for the Pacers. All‑Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton remains out, staying behind to continue rehab on his left hamstring strain. Johnny Furphy (ACL tear) and Ben Sheppard (left meniscus tear) are sidelined long‑term after surgeries.
Update: McConnell played nine minutes in the first half, scoring six points on 3‑of‑5 shooting, but was on a minutes restriction and did not return after halftime.
