Indiana Pacers fans are holding their breath as forward Aaron Nesmith's availability for Tuesday's pivotal Game 4 against the New York Knicks hangs in the balance. Nesmith suffered a right ankle injury during Sunday's Game 3 loss and is now officially listed as a game-time decision.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed that Nesmith woke up on Monday with significant soreness in his right ankle. The team's medical staff has diagnosed a right ankle sprain, placing his participation in Game 4 in serious jeopardy.
The injury occurred late in the third quarter of Game 3 when Nesmith, driving to the basket, landed awkwardly on Knicks guard Jalen Brunson's foot. He needed assistance to leave the court and was immediately taken to the locker room. While he did return to the game in the fourth quarter, his mobility appeared visibly limited.
The Knicks capitalized on the Pacers' struggles, securing a 106-100 victory and preventing the Pacers from taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. Indiana currently leads the Eastern Conference Finals series 2-1.
Nesmith has emerged as a key player for the Pacers throughout their impressive playoff run. He's not only provided crucial defense against Brunson but also sparked the Pacers' stunning Game 1 comeback with a career-high 30 points, including an incredible eight three-pointers.
Throughout the 2025 playoffs, Nesmith has been averaging 15.1 points per game with an impressive 52.3% field goal percentage. Even more remarkable is his 53.5% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, currently the highest among all remaining players in the playoffs. He also contributes an average of 6.2 rebounds per game.
The Pacers desperately need Nesmith's presence on both ends of the court as they look to regain momentum in the series. Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, and the Pacers faithful will be anxiously awaiting the final word on Nesmith's status.