BOSTON — Pacers stalwart backup point guard T.J. McConnell will miss Tuesday’s game against the Celtics with an illness according to the NBA injury report after missing Sunday’s home game against the Grizzlies because one of his children was sick.
McConnell practiced Monday and seemed fine, but Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, a parent himself, left open for the the possibility that things could change.
“He’s back,” Carlisle said after Monday’s practice, motioning over to McConnell who was working out on the court nearest to him. “Unless he gets an illness or something.”
McConnell didn’t start the season as part of the rotation but has been one of the Pacers’ most indispensable players, especially during All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton’s absence. McConnell is averaging a career-low 17.0 minutes per game, but still averaging 8.0 points, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game off the bench while shooting 52.5% from the floor. His 189 total assists this season are second only to Sacramento’s Malik Monk among NBA bench players. He’s averaging 16.9 points and 11.6 assists per 36 minutes, both career highs.
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Haliburton is listed as questionable on the injury report. He said after practice Monday that he is optimistic that he can return to play Tuesday night after missing 10 of the last 11 games with a strained left hamstring.
Centers Myles Turner and Jalen Smith are both listed as questionable with back spasms. Carlisle indicated Monday he was hopeful both could return.
Bennedict Mathurin is listed as questionable with a sprained right “great” toe.