The Knicks earned a comeback win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Pacers still have a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4, which will be played Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
However, the Pacers could be without a key starter with SF Aaron Nesmith (ankle) listed as questionable to play.
Below, we’ll give you the latest update on Aaron Nesmith’s injury, and news on whether Nesmith will play tonight.
Find the latest Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 projections for Aaron Nesmith on the PrizePicks NBA board here, and more picks for Knicks vs. Pacers in Game 4 here.
Is Aaron Nesmith Playing Tonight vs. Knicks?
Pacers SF Aaron Nesmith is officially questionable to play today, and will “likely” be a game-time decision ahead of Game 4, according to head coach Rick Carlisle on Monday.
Nesmith suffered a sprained ankle in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals vs. the Knicks. Nesmith left in the third quarter, but was eventually able to return.
The fact that Nesmith returned in Game 3 makes it appear more likely that he will play tonight, but we won’t know until closer to game time. However, after Sunday’s game, he had a noticeable limp, and once the swelling has set in, now he may struggle to play in Game 4.
Nesmith played 26 minutes, recording eight points, seven rebounds, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointer.
Nesmith was the hero of Game 1, scoring 30 points and making eight three-pointers. He drained six three-pointers in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter, which propelled the Pacers to an epic comeback.
During the regular season, Nesmith averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers over 25 minutes per game. In the playoffs, he has averaged 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 three-pointers over 30 minutes per game.
Who Could Replace Nesmith Tonight?
If Nesmith is unable to play in Game 4, then Pacers SG/SF Bennedict Mathurin could be in line for added minutes. However, he has struggled in the series, averaging 3.7 points and shooting 25.0% from the field.
The Pacers could also turn to SG Ben Sheppard, who played 17 minutes with Nesmith missing part of Game 3. However, Sheppard only finished with three points and three rebounds. During the regular season, Sheppard averaged 5.3 points and 2.8 rebounds over 20 minutes per game.
Nesmith Projections vs. Knicks
In a critical Game 4, we could see Nesmith suit up against the Knicks. Here are Nesmith’s stat projections tonight for Game 4, via the PrizePicks NBA board.
- 12 Points
- 5 Rebounds
- 1.5 Assists (Demon)
- 18.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
- 2.5 3-PT Made (Demon)
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