Indiana Pacers veteran point guard T.J. McConnell will make his season debut against the Denver Nuggets in Mexico City on Saturday after missing the first nine games with a right hamstring strain, coach Rick Carlisle announced before the game.
The 34-year-old missed all of preseason training camp due to the injury, which also limited him for much of last season. In 2025-26, McConnell appeared in 56 games, averaging 9.4 points and 5.1 assists in 17.2 minutes per game.
Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (left calf contusion) is also available for the Pacers. However, All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton did not travel to Mexico City as he continues rehabilitation from a left hamstring strain. Forward Johnny Furphy (ACL tear) and guard Ben Sheppard (left meniscus tear) remain out long-term following surgeries.
Update
McConnell played nine minutes in the first half, scoring six points on 3-of-5 shooting, but was on a minutes restriction and did not appear in the second half.
