T.J. McConnell Injury Update
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle provided a positive update on veteran point guard T.J. McConnell, who has been out since early October with a left hamstring strain.
McConnell’s Recovery Progress
McConnell, 33, injured his left hamstring on October 7 during the team’s preseason opener and was initially expected to miss at least a month. Carlisle shared that McConnell is steadily ramping up his workouts and is approaching a return.
“I know he had a workout today. I hadn’t heard how that went, but I heard he’s been ramping up pretty steadily,” Carlisle told reporters on Sunday, according to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
Other Injuries and Team Status
The Pacers’ backcourt has been stretched thin this season. Rookie guard Kam Jones, the 38th pick in this year’s draft, has also been sidelined since early October due to a lower back stress reaction.
Carlisle noted that Jones is showing improvement but cautioned that “his return is not imminent,” indicating a careful approach to his recovery.
Team Performance
The Pacers, who were Eastern Conference champions last year, have struggled out of the gate this season with a 1–8 record.
Author’s Summary
T.J. McConnell is making steady progress toward recovery from a hamstring injury, while the Pacers navigate injury challenges and a slow season start.