Pacers get good news on the injury report about T.J. McConnell in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY -- Veteran point guard T.J. McConnell will return from a right hamstring strain for the Pacers' game against the Nuggets in Mexico City on Saturday after missing the season's first nine games, coach Rick Carlisle said in his pre-game press conference. McConnell missed all of preseason training camp with the strain after being limited by hamstring issues for much of last season. The 34-year-old still played 56 games and averaged 9.4 points and 5.1 assists per game in just 17.2 minutes per game. Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (left calf contusion) is also available. The Paces are still missing All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who did not make the trip to Mexico City so he could continue his rehab for his left hamstring strain. Forward Johnny Furphy (ACL tear) and guard Ben Sheppard (left meniscus tear) are all out longer term with surgeries.