T.J. McConnell introduced himself to the national basketball world in a major way last postseason as the Indiana Pacers made a run to the NBA Finals.
Then, when Tyrese Haliburton went down with a torn Achilles, McConnell became even more important to the Pacers, both in the present and future.
Haliburton is set to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season, so McConnell should see plenty of the basketball for Indiana.
One problem, though, as the Pacers open their season against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Finals rematch on Thursday night: McConnell isn’t out there.
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Why isn’t T.J. McConnell playing?
T.J. McConnell is also injured.
His injury isn’t a season-ender, so Indiana will have him back to run the point. But he’s not healthy as of opening night.
McConnell hurt his hamstring during preseason action on Oct. 7 and hasn’t played since.
Earlier this week, head coach Rick Carlisle said he expects McConnell to miss at least a month.
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That leaves the Pacers particularly shorthanded at point guard.
Andrew Nembhard is expected to start the opener and should see all the minutes he can handle.
Behind him, there are really just dart throws like RayJ Dennis, Taelon Peter and Ben Sheppard.
The Pacers will keep their fingers crossed that Nembhard can stay healthy and that McConnell will get back sooner rather than later.
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