T.J. McConnell (hamstring) isn't back yet and a couple more Pacers are still getting healthy, per Indiana's media availability. Quenton Jackson has run the bench at point guard; Rick Carlisle says he's "ready for... being a full-time roster guy and being ready at all times."
Braden Smith filled in as Indiana's backup point guard in the preseason with T.J. McConnell out, Tyrese Haliburton said: "Braden was getting a lot of second-team reps at that point guard position." Worth watching if McConnell isn't ready for the New Orleans opener.
Larry Nance Jr. and Jay Huff should treat Indiana's backup center job as a team, Rick Carlisle said: "their job is to hold the fort." Both can also play power forward so the Pacers can go bigger. Asked about T.J. McConnell for the opener: "Working on it. We hope so."