The Indiana Pacers injury-plagued season took another hit. Veteran wing Aaron Nesmith is expected to miss at least four weeks due to a sprained left knee. Nesmith was injured on Thursday when he landed on teammate Jeremiah Robinson-Earl’s foot.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said that the team is thankful that Nesmith didn’t suffer a worse injury. Testing showed that the 6-foot-5 wing didn’t suffer any ligament damage.
“It’s likely going to be at least four weeks, so talk to me on the 15th (of December),” Carlisle said before Indiana played on Saturday night. “But it’s very good news. Very, very good news. He’s not in a brace. He’s walking. I say it’s likely going to be four weeks, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be less. It’s unclear at this time, but he’s doing very well and the news was very, very good.”
Nesmith has started all 11 games he’s played this season. The veteran wing is averaging a career-high 15.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
The Pacers continue to be without Obi Toppin, Johnny Furphy, Quenton Jackson and Kam Jones due to long-term injuries. Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season. On the good news front, Bennedict Mathurin is progressing and closing in on a return to the lineup for Indiana.