Malcolm Brogdon will play vs. Hornets for play-in tournament [UPDATE]

Update: 5:41 p.m. — Brogdon is going to be available to play in Tuesday’s play-in tournament opener vs. the Hornets. He was considered a game-time call due to a hamstring injury, but is going to play. Brogdon is expected to play in short 5-6 minute spurts, per Bjorkgren.

Update: 4:35 pm - Brogdon is still considered a game-time decision, according to Tony East of Forbes Sports. The guard himself said he is still questionable with a hamstring injury. Coach Nate Bjorkgren says if Brogdon is cleared to play, he’ll see 5-6 minute spurts against the Hornets.

Indiana Pacers PG Malcolm Brogdon went through practice on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s NBA play-in tournament matchup vs. the Charlotte Hornets at home at 6:30 p.m. ET. Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren considered Brogdon a game-time decision due to a hamstring injury. Aaron Holiday and Edmond Sumner were also at practice and are progressing well heading into the big game.

Brogdon has missed Indiana’s last 10 games and his return to the lineup could give the his team a much-needed edge in what’s expected to be a close game. He leads the Pacers in points per game with 21.2 and is second to only Domantas Sabonis in assists per game with 5.9. Indiana’s backcourt is significantly weaker when Justin Holiday or Edmond Sumner are paired with Caris LeVert in the starting lineup. Pacers-Hornets games have been decided by an average of 6.5 points when Brogdon plays. When he didn’t play in the latest meeting between Indiana and Charlotte, the Pacers lost by 17.

The Pacers are 3.5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook and could be favored by more if Brogdon is trending in the right direction on game day. The Hornets are worth taking on the moneyline at +130 if Indiana’s starting point guard can’t suit up.

LeVert’s fantasy production should remain sky-high if Brogdon sits, and TJ McConnell will likely be the most reliable guard option off the bench if that happens. McConnell is averaging 12 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per contest over his last 10 games.