Carlisle: McConnell (hamstring) ‘doing better’

Haliburton was already questionable for Wednesday’s game, but he won’t be available for it. There is no clarity to this timeline currently, so hopefully head coach Rick Carlisle will provide more either before or after their game against the 76ers. Andrew Nembhard (neck) is questionable, and T.J. McConnell (hamstring) hasn’t played this season. Nembhard will likely be the starting point guard until Haliburton returns, with Quenton Jackson as the next man up. Rookie Braden Smith could also be part of the rotation if Indiana ends up truly shorthanded.

McConnell is still yet to appear in a game due to a hamstring injury. With McConnell out and Andrew Nembhard questionable (neck), Quenton Jackson could see some more minutes off the bench.

McConnell will be out for a second straight game to open the 2026-27 campaign, which should lead to a bump in ball-handling responsibilities for Andrew Nembhard behind Tyrese Haliburton.

McConnell will be unavailable for the season opener, which means Andrew Nembhard will likely spend more time as the primary ball handler when Tyrese Haliburton is off the floor. Indiana may also turn to Quenton Jackson for a few minutes if needed.

After spending last season (when healthy) serving as the Pacers’ primary playmaker, Nembhard will return to his usual role in 2026-27. While Tyrese Haliburton’s return will lower Nembhard’s usage rate, the more familiar role improves his fantasy outlook. In Friday’s preseason finale, Nembhard dished out seven assists without a turnover in 20 minutes. With T.J. McConnell (undisclosed) not guaranteed to be ready for the start of the regular season, Nembhard’s place in the rotation becomes even more important.

Nembhard and McConnell remain out for the Pacers’ season finale, leaving the Pacers to once again rely on Quenton Jackson and Kam Jones to handle the point guard responsibilities.

Indiana’s injury report is once again lengthy, so Quenton Jackson and Kam Jones should continue to see increased run.

The continued absences of Nembhard and McConnell mean that Quenton Jackson will continue to serve as the starting point guard. Also, rookie Kam Jones has moved into the rotation as the backup point guard.

McConnell will remain out for a fourth straight game, and with Andrew Nembhard (back) out as well, Indiana will turn to Quenton Jackson and Kam Jones for the point guard minutes. Jackson should continue to play a larger role as a starter.

Nembhard and McConnell remaining out means that Quenton Jackson should remain in the starting lineup. Given the Pacers’ lack of depth at point guard, he’s worth picking up for the final game of Week 23. Kam Jones played 23 minutes off the bench in Friday’s loss to the Hornets, dishing out a season-high 10 assists.