Is Aaron Nesmith playing tonight? Indiana Pacers host Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals

With the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals in the books, the Indiana Pacers hold a 2–1 lead over the New York Knicks. On Tuesday, they’ll have a chance to extend that lead at home and take a major step toward the NBA Finals. Given the importance of the matchup, attention has turned to Aaron Nesmith and his availability.

The 25-year-old small forward gave the Pacers a scare when he rolled his right ankle during the third quarter of Game 3 on Sunday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. He was immediately helped off to the locker room but unexpectedly returned to the court to play the closing minutes of the 106–100 loss. In that game, Aaron posted 8 points and 7 rebounds in 26 minutes.

Now, with just hours remaining before the start of Game 4, Indiana has released its injury report listing Nesmith as “Questionable” due to the ankle injury. Under normal circumstances, the forward would likely be held out to ensure full recovery. However, given the magnitude of the game, head coach Rick Carlisle may wait until the last moment to make a decision.

NBA insider Shams Charania shared an encouraging update for Pacers fans on his official X account: “Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith is available to play in Game 4 tonight against the Knicks after sustaining a right ankle sprain in Game 3, source tells ESPN.”

Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers

This situation underscores the value Nesmith has brought to the team all year—and especially in the playoffs. During the regular season, he appeared in 45 of 82 games, but his impact in the postseason has been significantly greater.

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Aaron has started all 13 of Indiana’s playoff games so far, including the five-game series against the Milwaukee Bucks, the five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the semifinals, and the first three against the Knicks. Over those matchups, the forward has averaged 15.1 points, 1.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds in 30.3 minutes per game.

Nesmith’s standout performance came in Game 1 of the Conference Finals against the Knicks. That night at Madison Square Garden, he lit it up with 30 points and made NBA Playoff history with six three-pointers in the final quarter, helping the Pacers pull off a dramatic comeback.

In the injury report, Indiana also included Isaiah Jackson, who remains listed as “Out” due to the Achilles tendon injury he suffered in November 2024. He still faces a long road to recovery. The Knicks, meanwhile, have no players listed with injury concerns.