Indiana Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith will remain sidelined for at least another week due to a right ankle sprain sustained during Thursday’s loss to the Washington Wizards, head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed. Nesmith’s ankle issue limited him to just 15 minutes in that game and forced him to miss the subsequent rematch against Washington the following night.
The Pacers anticipate that Sunday’s game versus the Dallas Mavericks will be Nesmith’s second straight absence, as the 26-year-old continues his recovery from the injury. The team is taking a cautious route given the ongoing challenges with player health throughout their 2025-26 NBA campaign.
Pacers Face Broader Injury Struggles This Season
Injuries have significantly affected Indiana’s lineup across the season. Forward Obi Toppin has been out since October after foot surgery, while young wing Johnny Furphy’s season ended prematurely following a torn ACL in his right knee. Only a few players, including Jay Huff, Jarace Walker, and Pascal Siakam, have missed fewer than 10 games so far, underscoring the team’s difficulty maintaining a healthy roster.
Pascal Siakam is expected to return to action Sunday after sitting out the last two contests. Meanwhile, Nesmith himself has dealt with injury setbacks earlier this season, missing 19 consecutive games from mid-November through late December due to a left knee sprain.
Nesmith’s Contributions Despite Setbacks
Despite ongoing health issues, Nesmith has remained productive when on the court, averaging 13.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 33 appearances while logging 30 minutes per game. His play was strong enough to earn him a nomination for Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from January 26 through February 1, reflecting his value to the Pacers’ efforts this season.
Implications of Nesmith’s Absence for Pacers’ Season
With Nesmith out for at least another week, the Pacers face growing uncertainty as they navigate a roster heavily impacted by injuries. Maintaining competitive form in the Eastern Conference will depend on the ability of available players to step up during these absences. The cautious approach taken by the coaching staff suggests the team prioritizes long-term health over rushing players back too soon, but the path forward remains challenging.
The Pacers will be without Aaron Nesmith for a while longer: https://t.co/gqIvSoOkvb
Hoops Rumors
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The Pacers will be without Aaron Nesmith for a while longer: https://t.co/gqIvSoOkvb
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 23, 2026
