The Pacers have picked up pace after winning three of their last five games. However, they suffered a heartbreaking loss on the road this Thursday against the Hawks. Well, tonight was their chance to get some redemption as they faced the Atlanta team once again in a rematch. But things took an unfortunate turn when a scary injury forced TJ McConnell to leave the game early.

The incident occurred midway through the opening quarter. With the ball in Caris LeVert’s hands, McConnell stepped up to guard him one-on-one. Caris put the moves on the Pacers star and bullied his way to the basket for a tough bucket. As he shoulder-bumped TJ to rise for the shot, McConnell lost his footing and fell straight to the floor.

In a scary sight, TJ began writhing in pain and slapping the court multiple times in frustration. Turns out, he sprained his right ankle during the play. Sure enough, he was slow to get up and had to be helped off the floor as he headed straight to the locker room to assess the injury. Well, McConnell’s frustration is justified because he had checked into the game just seconds prior and did not even get to log in a complete minute. And he left scoreless.

Moreover, he hurt the same ankle that caused him to miss two games last month. So, there is a chance his injury was re-aggravated, and it puts him at risk of missing more time from now on. Obviously, that would be a massive blow to the team as TJ has been a solid backup guard for them, averaging 9.7 points and nearly five assists. Also, the timing of this setback could not have been worse as the Indiana team is already dealing with another injured guard. Tyrese Haliburton!

TJ McConnell’s injury puts Pacers’ Season in jeopardy amid Tyrese Haliburton’s absence

Well, the Pacers desperately needed a backup point guard tonight. Especially because their primary playmaker, Haliburton has been out for the last two games. The reason? A left hip strain. That means the team is missing an elite ball handler who is averaging 18.5 points and nearly nine assists. And McConnell’s injury only adds to those concerns.

In the two guards’ absence, the pressure will increase on Andrew Nembhard, who has taken over point guard duty as Haliburton’s replacement. Moreover, the lack of depth could hurt the Pacers in the long run and they could even lose their current fifth seed in the East.

As of now, the Pistons are tied with them in wins and could easily overtake them if they go on a winning spree. So, the Indiana franchise could be in big trouble going forward if TJ’s injury turns out to be serious and Haliburton does not return soon.