Pacers' T.J. McConnell Exits Game with Hamstring Injury

McConnell suffered a sore right hamstring and will not return to Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell exited Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury. The team announced that McConnell will not return to the game.

Why it matters

McConnell's injury is a significant blow to the struggling Pacers, who are already out of playoff contention. The team will need to carefully manage his recovery to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to action.

The details

McConnell played 17 minutes in the game, scoring 6 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, before leaving with the hamstring issue. The Pacers were trailing the Trail Blazers 110-93 at the time of his departure.

  • McConnell exited the game in the fourth quarter on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

T.J. McConnell

A guard for the Indiana Pacers who suffered a sore right hamstring injury during Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Indiana Pacers

The NBA team that T.J. McConnell plays for, who are currently out of playoff contention.

Portland Trail Blazers

The opposing team that the Indiana Pacers were playing against when T.J. McConnell suffered his hamstring injury.

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What they’re saying

“Injury Update: T.J. McConnell (sore right hamstring) will not return to tonight's game in Portland.”

— Indiana Pacers (Twitter)

What’s next

The Pacers will need to evaluate the severity of McConnell's hamstring injury and determine a timeline for his return to action.

The takeaway

McConnell's hamstring injury is a setback for the struggling Pacers, who will need to carefully manage his recovery to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to the court.