Pacers Plagued by Injuries as McConnell, Walker Latest to Go Down

Head coach Rick Carlisle expresses concern over the team's mounting injury woes.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Indiana Pacers have been ravaged by injuries all season long, and the latest casualties are TJ McConnell, who sustained a hamstring injury, and Jarace Walker, who turned his ankle in the team's 131-111 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the team's injury troubles, saying "We're a bit beat up right now" and that they'll evaluate the players' statuses with the medical staff.

Why it matters

The Pacers are already having a dismal season, sitting at 15-49 and owning the second-worst record in the NBA. Injuries have ravaged the roster, with key players like Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, and now McConnell and Walker going down. This could further derail their season and impact their chances of keeping their 2026 first-round pick, which is owed to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The details

In Sunday night's loss to the Trail Blazers, McConnell suffered a hamstring injury and Walker turned his ankle. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed concern over the players' statuses, saying "There's concern. We'll see. [Walker] turned his ankle in the end. Look, we're a bit beat up right now. We'll circle the wagons tomorrow with the medical staff and see what's what."

  • The Pacers lost to the Trail Blazers 131-111 on March 9, 2026.

The players

TJ McConnell

A Pacers guard who suffered a hamstring injury in the team's loss to the Trail Blazers.

Jarace Walker

A Pacers forward who turned his ankle in the team's loss to the Trail Blazers.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers, who expressed concern over the team's mounting injury troubles.

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What they’re saying

“There's concern. We'll see. [Walker] turned his ankle in the end. Look, we're a bit beat up right now. We'll circle the wagons tomorrow with the medical staff and see what's what.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach (Forbes)

What’s next

The Pacers will evaluate the injuries to McConnell and Walker on Monday and provide updates on their statuses.

The takeaway

The Pacers' dismal season has been compounded by a rash of injuries, with the latest casualties being key players TJ McConnell and Jarace Walker. This further jeopardizes their chances of keeping their 2026 first-round pick, which is owed to the Clippers, and raises questions about the team's ability to remain competitive for the remainder of the campaign.