Aaron Nesmith is available to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night, despite rolling his right ankle in Sunday’s Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks. Nesmith, who had been considered a game-time decision, injured his ankle midway through the third quarter after an awkward landing while attempting a pass. He was helped off the floor but returned to the game, though he missed all three shots he took afterward and failed to stop Jalen Brunson from scoring a critical basket.
Despite being sore, Nesmith’s injury is not severe enough to keep him off the floor. He averaged 12 points and four rebounds per game during the regular season and has been a key player in the series, averaging 16.7 points per game. Nesmith signed a three-year, $33 million extension with the Pacers in 2023.
The Pacers hold a 2-1 series lead over the Knicks as they head into Tuesday night’s contest in Indianapolis. The Pacers, appearing in the Eastern Conference finals for a second straight season, have not reached the NBA Finals since 2000.