Pacers Guard T.J. McConnell Makes Season Debut Against Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell returned to action on Tuesday, making his season debut against the Utah Jazz. His comeback offered a significant lift to a team struggling with multiple injuries.
McConnell had missed the first ten games of the season after suffering a left hamstring strain during the preseason. The 11-year NBA veteran averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 assists in the previous season.
Pacers Facing Injury Challenges
The Pacers, coming off their NBA Finals appearance, entered Tuesday’s game with a 1–9 record. Several key players remain sidelined, putting added pressure on the roster.
- Tyrese Halliburton, a two-time All-Star, might miss the entire season due to a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in Game 7 of the championship series against Oklahoma City.
- Forward Obi Toppin is expected to be out for at least three months with a stress fracture in his right foot.
"Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell was available to make his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, giving an injury-ravaged team a much-needed boost."
Author’s Summary
McConnell’s long-awaited return provides the Pacers with renewed depth amid a wave of injuries that have derailed their early-season performance.