The Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith, sidelined by an left ankle sprain, won’t return until at least next month, coach Rick Carlisle said, per Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star (Twitter link).
Nesmith has served as the team’s starting small forward but hasn’t played since Nov. 1. Nesmith, one of the team’s top defenders, is averaging 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game this season, shooting 52.5% from the floor and 54.5% from 3-point range. He averaged 12.2 points and 4.0 assists last season while starting 47 of 72 games.
Andrew Nembhard, who is dealing with left knee soreness, will miss at least two weeks, according to Carlisle. Nembhard has started seven games in the backcourt this season, averaging 7.3 points and 4.7 assists. His last appearance was Wednesday, when he played 31 minutes against Orlando. Nembhard started 47 of 68 games last season, averaging 9.2 points and 4.1 assists.
It’s been a rough go for the club in terms of injuries during the early stages of the season. Indiana has lost two backup centers, Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, to season-ending Achilles tendon tears.
Forward Obi Toppin is sitting out Sunday’s game against the Knicks with a left ankle sprain.
Ben Sheppard, Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, T.J. McConnell and Johnny Furphy could all see their minutes expand while Nesmith and Nembhard mend.