Indiana Pacers veteran point guard T.J. McConnell will return from a right hamstring strain for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets in Mexico City, head coach Rick Carlisle announced in his pre-game press conference. McConnell missed the first nine games of the season and all of preseason training camp due to the injury.
The 34-year-old played 56 games last season, 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 remains sidelined with a left hamstring strain and did not travel to Mexico City to continue his rehabilitation. Forward Johnny Furphy (ACL tear) and guard Ben Sheppard (left meniscus tear) are out long-term after surgeries.
Update
McConnell scored six points on 3-of-5 shooting in nine first-half minutes but was on a minutes restriction and did not play in the second half.
