The Indiana Pacers have done an impressive job containing a talented, physical, and resilient New York Knicks squad — so far.
With Game 4 set for Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and Indiana holding a 2-1 series lead, the Pacers still have the upper hand in the Eastern Conference Finals.
However, they may be without one of their key starters on Tuesday night.
Aaron Nesmith Status Remains Up in the Air
Aaron Nesmith is listed as questionable for Game 4 on the team’s injury report, with head coach Rick Carlisle indicating he’ll likely be a game-time decision.
The 25-year-old suffered a right ankle sprain in the third quarter of Game 3, and Carlisle said Monday that Nesmith was still experiencing soreness. With his status uncertain, the Pacers may have to navigate a pivotal Game 4 without one of their most dependable two-way contributors.
Nesmith has been a key piece for Indiana throughout the playoffs, starting every game and shooting an impressive 53.5% from beyond the arc.
Nesmith’s Regular Season Numbers
After struggling to crack the starting lineup during his first two seasons with the Boston Celtics, Aaron Nesmith was traded to the Pacers in 2022. The move to Indiana gave the talented shooter increased playing time and a platform to showcase his full skill set.
Nesmith started 60 games in his first season with the Pacers and built on that momentum last year, averaging a career-high 27.7 minutes per game.
The South Carolina native opened the 2024–25 campaign strong, starting the first six games of the season. However, an ankle injury sidelined him for nearly three months between November and February.
Despite the setback, Nesmith appeared in 45 regular season games, averaging 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He was highly efficient as a shooter, hitting 43.1% from three-point range and 91.3% from the free-throw line.
SEE MORE: 2025 NBA Mock Draft
Nesmith’s Impact in the Postseason
While injuries limited Aaron Nesmith’s impact during the regular season, the 25-year-old has been making up for lost time in the playoffs.
Carlisle has shown full confidence in the fifth-year guard/forward, starting him in every postseason game and playing him over 30 minutes per contest. Nesmith has rewarded that trust with a string of standout performances.
In the opening-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, he notched a double-double—posting 19 points and 12 rebounds in an overtime victory that sealed the series for Indiana.
Nesmith continued his strong play in Game 1 of the second-round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. On the road, he delivered a team-high 23 points on an ultra-efficient 7-of-10 shooting, including five made three-pointers. The Pacers secured a 121–112 win and ultimately went on to take the series in five games.
WHAT A NIGHT FOR AARON NESMITH ‼️
🎯 30 PTS (20 in 4Q)
🎯 8 3PM (6 in 4Q)
🎯 2 BLKAt his best when the lights were brightest 😤 pic.twitter.com/cbX3q8Ned2
— NBA (@NBA)
In arguably the most memorable performance of his career, Aaron Nesmith delivered a stunning shooting display at Madison Square Garden on May 21.
With the Pacers trailing late, Nesmith spearheaded a dramatic comeback, pouring in 20 points in the fourth quarter alone to force overtime. He knocked down eight of his nine three-point attempts and finished with a career-high 30 points in the thriller.
Through the 2025 postseason, Nesmith is averaging 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game. He currently leads the Pacers in both rebounds and blocks—an impressive feat for a player known primarily for his perimeter game.
