Pacers Notes: McConnell, Oubre, Haliburton, Sheppard, 15th Spot

After initially while on the list as doubtless a veteran guard TJ McConnell was upgraded to available ahead of Saturday’s contest against Denver in Mexico City Pacers declared (via Twitter).

McConnell missed the entire preseason and the first nine games of the regular season with a strained right hamstring. The 34-year-old has been Indiana’s key backup for several years – he’s in his eighth season with the Pacers.

Forward Kelly Oubre Jr (left shin contusion) was also upgraded from questionable to available on Saturday.

Here’s more on the Pacers:

• Addressing the media on Friday, the head coach Rick Carlisle – said the star guard Tyrese Halliburton was unable to make the trip to Mexico as he continues treatment for a strained left hamstring, according to reporter Jeremiah Johnson (Twitter references). “Unfortunately, (Tyrese) can’t be here. He sends his greetings to MexicoCarlisle said.He’s very disappointed that he couldn’t make it, but for his rehab center, it’s better for him to stay home, lie in the hyperbaric (chamber) and do all the procedures.” Carlisle added that he hoped Halliburton would be “back very soon.” However, Carlisle does not have Halliburton’s return schedule on Saturday, tweets Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. “He is making great progress. I don’t know the schedule. … The schedule is uncertainCarlisle said.
• with Ben Sheppard likely to miss most – if not all – of the season after a complete renovation him left meniscus tear, Tony East of Forbes wonders if the Pacers will force a trade for the fourth-year wing before the end of February. According to East, the Pacers have been hit hard by injury this fall, with two players suffering long-term injuries (Johnny Furfee recovering from a torn ACL) might not be a starter for a championship-caliber team. Sheppard will become a restricted free agent next summer when he is given an $8 million qualifying offer.
• The Pacers can now sign a free agent to fill the 15th spot on the roster without going over the first apron’s hard cap, according to East of Forbes. But should they add a 15th minimum salary player? Waiting would be the ideal choice as it would give Indiana more financial flexibility. However, if the Pacers face additional extended absences, it may make sense to fill out that roster in the short term, East notes, as it could make them eligible for the hardship exception.