T.J. McConnell has been downgraded from day-to-day to out on the Pacers' injury report with a right hamstring strain. He will miss Wednesday's game in New Orleans, and the report lists an expected return of Oct. 23.
What happened
The Pacers listed McConnell as out on the injury report released Tuesday at 5:46 PM ET. The listed injury is a right hamstring strain. His previous status was day-to-day. The report's comment reads: "McConnell won't play Wednesday in New Orleans due to a right hamstring strain." The report also lists an expected return date of Oct. 23. McConnell had appeared on the report earlier this month, on Sunday, Oct. 4, as day-to-day with an undisclosed issue. The 34-year-old guard joins Aaron Nesmith, out with a left hamstring strain, and Johnny Furphy, out with a right knee issue, on the Pacers' report.
What it means for the Pacers
Indiana opens at the Pelicans on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 8:00 PM ET. The 2026-27 season has not started, so the Pacers are 0-0 and there is no record with or without McConnell yet. Last season he played 56 games and averaged 9.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 17.2 minutes. Without him, the backcourt minutes have gone to Andrew Nembhard at 31.3 minutes and 16.9 points, with Bennedict Mathurin at 31.8 minutes and 17.8 points. Pascal Siakam leads the group at 33.2 minutes and 24.0 points. Jarace Walker, Kobe Brown and Jalen Slawson have each played between 23.9 and 25.7 minutes, and Ivica Zubac has logged 23.6 minutes. Nesmith's absence thins the wing rotation as well.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether McConnell's status changes before the Pacers return to the floor. The listed expected return is Oct. 23, which would put him back for the game after New Orleans. Nothing beyond that date has been announced. Hamstring strains can change status quickly in either direction, so his listing on the next report is the key signal. Watch also for updates on Nesmith, whose own hamstring issue has him out alongside McConnell.
Is T.J. McConnell playing at the Pelicans on Wednesday?
No. He is listed as out on the injury report with a right hamstring strain and will not play Wednesday in New Orleans.
When will T.J. McConnell be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 23. No further timeline has been announced.