INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith is considered a “game-time decision” for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, following an ankle injury he suffered during New York’s comeback win in Game 3 on Sunday night.
“He’s in pain today, which was expected,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said during Monday’s media session at the team’s training facility. “He’s likely going to be a game-time decision and may be listed as questionable.”
Nesmith got hurt midway through the third quarter while driving past Knicks and big man Karl-Anthony Towns along the baseline. He attempted a pass around Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson but landed awkwardly, grabbing his right ankle immediately. He stayed on the court for a brief period in visible pain before teammates helped him off the court to the sidelines and then to the locker room.
At the time of his injury, Indiana was leading 70-57 with 6:06 left in the third quarter. Nesmith briefly returned to the bench after more than a minute and a half, but the Knicks rallied during his absence, outscoring the Pacers 32-18 to take an 89-88 lead by the time he reentered the game at the 7:03 mark in the fourth quarter.
“He was moving around in the hallway after the game,” Carlisle said. “He’s glad to be back and was told he’s not restricted. So instead of waiting longer, he didn’t worsen the injury by playing a bit. We’ll know more tomorrow.”
After returning, Nesmith missed all three shots he took, committed a foul on Mikal Bridges, and faced tough defense from Brunson down the stretch.
If Nesmith cannot play or is limited, it would be a significant setback for the Pacers, who have been among the top defensive teams since early December. Nesmith’s defense has been crucial in these finals, especially in guarding Brunson. In Game 3, Nesmith held Brunson to shooting 6-for-17 from the floor with one assist and three turnovers, which could force Brunson to seek a stronger offensive showing in Game 4. Without Nesmith’s strong on- and off-ball defense, Brunson may find more opportunities.
Offensively, Nesmith has also been an important contributor. Aside from a brief heroic run in Game 1, he has been a valuable complementary scorer for Indiana. If he can’t play, coach Carlisle may have to increase minutes for Ben Sheppard, who has performed well in this series, or bring back third-year wing Bennedict Mathurin, who has had some inconsistency.
“All of that is not ideal,” said All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton after the game. “He’s a big part of what we do.”
Fan Take: Aaron Nesmith’s health is pivotal for the Pacers’ championship hopes, and his potential absence underscores the fragility of playoff success. Basketball fans should watch closely as this injury could shift the momentum and outcome of the Eastern Conference Finals.
