Knicks vs. Pacers: Aaron Nesmith’s Game-Time Status Could Tilt Indiana’s Fate—Coach Carlisle Drops Cryptic Update

Indiana’s hopes in the Eastern Conference finals are now hanging by a thread, with star wing Aaron Nesmith listed as a probable game-time decision for Tuesday’s Game 4 against the Knicks. He suffered a tough right ankle sprain during Sunday night’s dramatic showdown, a blow that could seriously shake up the Pacers’ strategy moving forward. Rick Carlisle, ever the strategist, weighed in Monday, acknowledging Nesmith’s expected soreness and signaling that the 6-foot-6 defender and sharpshooter might just test his limits on the court once again. It’s not just about the injury itself—it’s the ripple effect across both ends of the floor. Nesmith’s tenacious defense has been a cornerstone of Indiana’s resurgence, especially when checking Jalen Brunson, and his playoff sharpshooting, with near-flawless splits, adds a critical offensive spark. The Pacers face a possible reckoning without him, with backups needing to step up in a series that’s been as thrilling as it’s brutal. The scene’s set for a high-stakes game where every move counts, and Nesmith’s availability could very well tilt the balance. LEARN MOREAdvertisementIndiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith is assisted off the court during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)Advertisement

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Advertisement“He was doing things in the hallway to get moving again,” Carlisle said after Game 3. “And then I got the word that he was good to go back in, that he was moving without limitation at that point in time. So, rather than wait, I decided the best thing to do was get him back in there so that he didn’t stiffen up any more. Down the stretch, he seemed to move OK to me, just from the eye test standing there. But I haven’t studied the film yet, and obviously, we’ll know more tomorrow.”