TITLE: Huff’s Career Night and McConnell’s Assist Milestone Headline Busy Week for Pacers
SLUG: huff-career-night-mcconnell-milestone-pacers-updates
CONTENT:
Indiana center Jay Huff delivered a personal best on Friday, pouring in 29 points on 13-for-17 shooting, along with nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 29 minutes during the Pacers’ victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
“He’s getting better at understanding where he needs to be,” forward Pascal Siakam said after the game. “Sometimes he forgets he’s seven feet tall, but he’s running hard, rolling hard and finishing plays.”
Steady Improvement and Contract Security
Acquired from Memphis last offseason, the 27-year-old Huff averaged 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds on .413/.294/.833 shooting through December. Since January 1, he has topped 20 points three times and is averaging 13.4 points and 3.6 rebounds while converting .667 from the field and .424 from three in eight games.
Huff’s progress is also reflected in his deal. By surpassing 825 minutes this season—he is now at 845—his $379,000 partial guarantee for 2026-27 converted to a fully guaranteed $2,667,944. Indiana also holds a $3,005,085 team option for 2027-28 that will become guaranteed if he remains on the roster past June 30, 2027.
Known for rim protection, the former G League Defensive Player of the Year ranks second in the NBA at 2.1 blocks per game among qualified players.
McConnell Reaches Rare Assist Mark
T.J. McConnell handed out nine assists Friday, pushing his career total off the bench to 3,000. The 33-year-old joins Lou Williams as the only players in league history to reach that number exclusively as reserves.
“This says more about the players I’ve been lucky to share the floor with,” McConnell said. “I’m thankful for every teammate I’ve played with.”
Injury Report for Detroit Back-to-Back
Indiana will be without Siakam (rest), McConnell (left knee/elbow management), Aaron Nesmith (rest) and Andrew Nembhard (lower-back management) for Saturday’s game in Detroit. Center Isaiah Jackson, sidelined since December 23 with a concussion, has been upgraded to questionable.
Bradley’s 10-Day Nearing Expiration
Tony Bradley’s current 10-day contract ends Saturday night. The veteran big man, waived in early January before his previous contract became guaranteed, could be signed to a second 10-day deal.
The Pacers (record not provided) continue a four-game road swing Sunday in Milwaukee.
Source: Hoops Rumors
