The Indiana Pacers have been the most injured team in the NBA. Most of their top guys in the rotation have been hurt for quite a while, not to mention Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the year. The injuries have crushed Indiana’s ability to win games.
So far this season, the Pacers have been without Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Johnny Furphy, Kam Jones, and Quenton Jackson. Quite frankly, almost every major player has been out for a sustained period of time. That includes T.J. McConnell.
McConnell has yet to play this season. He hurt his hamstring in the first preseason game of the year against the Timberwolves. His presence off the bench is something the Pacers have greatly missed. He got some good news when it comes to his injury.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 8: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers yells to the bench in the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on November 8, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers Guard T.J. McConnell Upgraded Ahead of Jazz Matchup
For the first time this season, the Pacers have upgraded McConnell to questionable. McConnell has missed the first ten games of the season. Adding him would finally give the Pacers a couple of ball-handlers now that Nembhard has returned from his injury.
McConnell took over multiple games in the NBA Finals a year ago, making a massive impact off the bench. Head coach Rick Carlisle indicated over the weekend that McConnell was starting to ramp up. Now, it looks like he’s very close to getting back on to the floor.
So far this season, the Pacers have the worst offensive rating in basketball. The team has struggled to create open shots because of the lack of ball-handlers who can penetrate the paint and kick out to open shooters. That’s something McConnell excels at.
Even if McConnell doesn’t return against the Jazz, he will likely return against the Suns. His return can’t come soon enough for Indiana. The Pacers have the worst record in the league and are in danger of being too far back to claw back into playoff contention.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 11: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Pacers Guard T.J. McConnell is Close to Returning
Not only does McConnell help with the lack of shot creation, but he can create shots for himself, as well. Scoring points has been a massive struggle for this team. Injuries have taken out most of their top scorers, so they score the second-fewest points in the league.
If the Pacers don’t start getting some of their key guys back soon, they might just use this season as a gap year. They had aspirations of making another deep playoff run, even without Haliburton, but too many injuries have caught up with them early in the season.
Adding McConnell is a good start, but they need Mathurin back, as well. Mathurin is one of the few players they have who can create his own offense without the need of a point guard. Once he returns to the starting lineup, the team has a better shot of winning games.
At this point, it’s unclear how much longer Mathurin will be out with a food injury. He was listed as month-to-month when the injury occurred.
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