Indiana Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith is set to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals after recovering from a right ankle sprain sustained during Game 3. The team’s announcement came just hours before the pivotal matchup against the New York Knicks.
Nesmith had a challenging Game 3, logging only 26 minutes before injuring his ankle while attempting a jump pass in the third quarter of the Pacers’ 106-100 defeat. Notably, he managed to return for part of the fourth quarter thanks to prompt action from the team’s medical staff, who helped him retape the injury and clear him for play. Head coach Rick Carlisle remarked on Nesmith’s quick turnaround, noting that the young guard seemed to move well upon re-entering the game.
Despite walking with a noticeable limp after the game, Nesmith contributed eight points and seven rebounds, maintaining a solid postseason average of 15.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. This recent injury marks the second ankle issue the 2024-25 season for Nesmith, who previously missed significant time due to a left ankle injury earlier in the season.
Remarkably, since returning to full health, Nesmith has established himself as a valuable player for the Pacers. He closed the regular season on a high note, achieving personal bests in rebounding and shooting percentages, including a 50.7% field goal average and an impressive 43.1% from beyond the arc. His ability to bounce back and continue contributing is a positive sign for the Pacers as they aim to advance in the playoffs.