Nesmith returns to Pacers practice, likely for opener; McConnell uncertain

Aaron Nesmith returned to practice on Thursday and appears likely to suit up for the Indiana Pacers’ regular-season opener, while veteran guard T.J. McConnell’s status remains uncertain, according to reporter Zion Brown.

Nesmith had been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the Pacers’ second preseason contest. The issue also kept him out of Wednesday’s overtime loss in Oklahoma City and Friday’s preseason finale, though he told reporters earlier in the week he was feeling “pretty good.”

McConnell has missed the entire preseason with an undisclosed injury. Head coach Rick Carlisle said “I hope so” when asked whether the veteran guard would be active for the October 21 contest against New Orleans.