Indiana Pacers veteran point guard T.J. McConnell made his season debut on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets in Mexico City after missing the first nine games with a right hamstring strain. Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed McConnell's return in his pre-game press conference.
McConnell played nine minutes in the first half, scoring six points on 3-of-5 shooting, but did not appear in the second half due to a minutes restriction. The 34-year-old missed all of preseason training camp with the injury after being limited by hamstring issues for much of last season, when he averaged 9.4 points and 5.1 assists in 17.2 minutes per game across 56 appearances.
Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (left calf contusion) is also available for the Pacers. However, All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton remains out and did not travel to Mexico City as he continues rehab for a left hamstring strain. Forward Johnny Furphy (ACL tear) and guard Ben Sheppard (left meniscus tear) are sidelined long-term following surgeries.
