Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Hits 10 of 11 shots off bench
Rotowire
McConnell logged 20 points (10-11 FG), two rebounds and 11 assists over 25 minutes during Saturday's 144-129 victory over the Heat.
The Pacers shot an incredible 65.9 percent from the field as a team in the win, and McConnell was a big part of that efficiency with his 10-for-11 shooting line. As usual, he didn't venture into deep territory for his shots -- of his 70 field-goal tries on the campaign, only six have come from three-point range. McConnell has converted that into an impressive 58.6 percent field-goal percentage, which is on pace to be the best of his career. The veteran point guard added a season-high 11 dimes Saturday to round out his first double-double of the campaign, but it should be noted that his 25 minutes were well above his season average, with the extended opportunity being largely a result of Tyrese Haliburton (knee) sitting out. As efficient as McConnell has been this season, he hasn't been seeing much run when Haliburton is healthy.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Will be available Thursday
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McConnell (hamstring) is available to play Thursday against the Heat.
The veteran floor general was deemed a game-time call, but he will end up being available and should see his regular workload off the bench. McConnell has seen limited minutes of late, however, as he hasn't reached the 15-minute mark in his last three outings, limiting his fantasy upside considerably.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Questionable against Miami
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McConnell is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Heat due to right hamstring soreness.
It's unclear when McConnell suffered his injury, but it could keep him out of Thursday's contest. Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin will likely see increased minutes if McConnell is ruled out.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Decent results off bench
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McConnell produced seven points (3-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds, five assists and one steal across 14 minutes during Wednesday's 132-131 loss to the Raptors.
McConnell was held below 10 points for the third time in his last five appearances Wednesday, but he matched his second-highest assist total of the season during the narrow loss. Over his last five appearances, he's averaged 7.8 points, 3.6 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Leading scorer off bench
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McConnell ended Wednesday's 155-104 loss to the Celtics with a team-high 18 points (8-13 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and one steal across 28 minutes off the bench.
The game got away from the Pacers very early, and the team was without Tyrese Haliburton (ankle), leading to a season-high workload for McConnell and production to match. The veteran guard managed only 12 total points in his first two games of the campaign, but if Haliburton isn't ready to return Friday against Cleveland, McConnell figures to be a popular DFS target.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Back to bench
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McConnell won't start Monday's preseason game against the Hawks.
McConnell drew back-to-back starts with Tyrese Haliburton resting, but the former will head back to a bench role with the latter returning to action. McConnell is slated to be Indiana's top backup point guard again in 2023-24.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Starting again
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McConnell is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's preseason game against the Rockets, Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets reports.
Presumably, Tyrese Haliburton is getting another night off for rest after spending the summer with Team USA. Haliburton's next chance to return will be against the Hawks on Monday.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Gets starting nod
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McConnell will be in the starting lineup for Sunday's preseason game against the Grizzlies, Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files reports.
McConnell came into the game with a questionable designation due to an ankle injury but will be able to make the start. McConnell should see significant volume in the preseason with Andrew Nembhard and Tyrese Haliburton sidelined.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Progressing in practice
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Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said McConnell (ankle) "did well" in Thursday's practice, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.
McConnell has begun training camp limited with an ankle injury but seems to be progressing in his recovery. However, the Pacers could opt to be cautious with the 31-year-old guard for Sunday's preseason opener against Memphis.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Limited practice to start camp
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McConnell practiced in a limited fashion Tuesday due to an ankle injury, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.
McConnell was the only Pacer listed as limited on the first day of training camp. Indiana's preseason begins Sunday versus Memphis, giving McConnell four more days to reach 100 percent.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Ruled out Sunday
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McConnell (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Knicks.
McConnell will miss back-to-back contests to end the 2022-23 campaign. Across 75 appearances (six starts), the veteran point guard averaged 8.7 points, 5.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 20.3 minutes per game.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Questionable for season finale
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McConnell is questionable for Sunday's game against the Knicks with right hip soreness.
McConnell is one of six Pacers players to nab a questionable tag for the contest and could be in line for a massive workload if he's able to suit up. In his last 11 games, McConnell has averaged 13.5 points, 7.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals over 23.9 minutes. If he sits, George Hill and Gabe York would likely handle the brunt of the point guard work.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Ruled out Friday
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McConnell (hip) won't play in Friday's game versus the Pistons, Tony East of SI.com reports.
McConnell has been downgraded from questionable to out with right hip soreness. His next chance to suit up is Sunday's regular-season finale against the Knicks.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Status uncertain Friday
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McConnell (hip) is questionable for Friday's game versus the Pistons.
McConnell is in danger of missing his first game since March 13 due to his hip injury. If he is ruled out, Andrew Nembhard, George Hill and Gabe York could see extended minutes, with Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) unavailable Friday.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Secures double-double off bench
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McConnell totaled 18 points (7-11 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 12 assists, five rebounds and two steals in 22 minutes during Wednesday's 138-129 loss to the Knicks.
Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) has missed five straight games and could be done for the rest of the season, which has opened the door for McConnell's fantasy value to spike back up. He tied a season high with 12 assists Wednesday and helped out defensively with a couple of steals. Despite coming off the bench, the point guard is averaging 16.4 points and 7.6 assists per game in Haliburton's absence.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Thrives off bench in loss
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McConnell contributed 15 points (7-13 FG, 1-1 3Pt), seven assists, five rebounds and two steals across 28 minutes in Monday's 127-104 loss to the Mavericks.
Though he didn't enter the starting five in place of Tyrese Haliburton (ankle), McConnell still picked up the largest share of minutes at point guard while starter Andrew Nembhard shifted over to the wing when the two shared the floor together. The Pacers haven't clarified their plans for Haliburton moving forward, but with the team currently sitting 3.5 games behind the Bulls for the final spot in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, it wouldn't be surprising if Haliburton ended up being shut down to some degree. With that in mind, McConnell looks to be a strong speculative pickup for fantasy managers in need of steals and assists in particular.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Solid night off bench
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McConnell amassed 14 points (5-12 FG, 4-4 FT), one rebound, seven assists, one block and two steals across 22 minutes off the bench during Wednesday's 118-114 victory over the Raptors.
The Pacers relied on a balanced offense as six different players scored in double digits, but McConnell led the second unit. The veteran guard has scored 10 or more points in five of his last eight games, chipping in a double-double along the way, and he's supplying consistent fantasy value by averaging 11.4 points, 7.1 assists, 3.8 boards and 2.0 steals over that stretch in 24. minutes a night.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Posts double-double off bench
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McConnell (back) amassed 19 points (9-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt), three rebounds, 12 assists and one steal in 30 minutes during Thursday's 139-123 victory over Milwaukee.
McConnell was excellent in his return from a two-game absence due to a back issue and took advantage of expanded offensive usage with Tyrese Haliburton (knee) sidelined. The veteran point guard's 12 assists tied his season high and his 19 points tied his third-highest scoring outing of the campaign. Over his past five appearances, McConnell is averaging 12.6 points, 6.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 25.0 minutes. He should continue to see a sizable role with Haliburton expected to miss at least two more contests.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Available Thursday
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McConnell (back) is good to go for Thursday's game against the Bucks, Jeremiah Johnson of Bally Sports Indiana reports.
McConnell is back following a two-game absence. With Tyrese Haliburton (knee) out at least three games, the veteran should see an expanded role. In his six starts this season, McConnell has averaged 12.7 points, 8.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 31.3 minutes.
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Pacers' T.J. McConnell: Iffy for Thursday's contest
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McConnell (back) is questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Bucks.
McConnell has missed back-to-back games due to back soreness, but he returned to practice Wednesday and appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Thursday's matchup. Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) is in the same boat as McConnell, but if both point guards are downgraded to out and join Bennedict Mathurin (ankle) and Chris Duarte (ankle) on the sidelines, Andrew Nembhard, Jordan Nwora and George Hill would all be candidates for significant roles in the Pacers' backcourt.
