Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith Receives Unfortunate Injury Update Ahead of Crucial Game 5

The Indiana Pacers have a chance to close out the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday as they head back ot New York to take on the Knicks. 

While that is the case, they could be without their key guard, Aaron Nesmith. Nesmith landed on the injury report ahead of Game 5 due to his ankle injury and is listed as questionable. 

The Pacers have a chance to close out the series and head to their first NBA Finals in 25 years. 

Nesmith has been managing an ankle sprain but has continued to suit up despite the injury. The 25-year-old forward is coming off a strong showing in Game 4, where he poured in 16 points. 

Nesmith was listed as a game-time decision prior to Game 4, but he was healthy enough to play and he did quite well. 

Through the series, he's averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per contest. His efficiency has been especially impressive—he's shooting 54.1 percent from the field and an outstanding 61.9 percent from three-point range.

Nesmith was stellar in Game 4 to help propel the Pacers to a 3-1 series lead. In the contest, he recorded 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field, three rebounds, one assists and two steals in 32 minutes of action. 

The former first-round pick has emerged as a key contributor for the Pacers, particularly with his standout performance in Game 1. In that thrilling 138-135 victory, Nesmith erupted for 30 points and knocked down five crucial three-pointers. 

His timely shooting helped swing the momentum in Indiana’s favor and laid the foundation for their current 3-1 series lead, built on a string of consistent efforts throughout the postseason.

Nesmith will look to do his part on Thursday and close out the series in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.

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