Aaron Nesmith injury update for Game 6: Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Eastern Conference Finals (May 31, 2025)
Is Aaron Nesmith playing tonight? (Image via AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Aaron Nesmith
will be available for the
Indiana Pacers
in Game 6 against the
New York Knicks
despite battling a sprained right ankle. The injury, sustained in Game 3, has visibly impacted his performance but hasn't kept him off the court.
The Pacers have removed him from the injury report, confirming his status for tonight's crucial matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Aaron Nesmith's resilience has been notable throughout the series. After initially being listed as questionable for Games 4 and 5, he played through discomfort, showing flashes of strong play mixed with clear limitations from the injury.
How the injury has affected Aaron Nesmith's performance
The ankle sprain has created inconsistency in Aaron Nesmith's contributions. Here's a breakdown of his performance before and after the injury:
Pacers injury report Game 6 (Image via NBA)
Game
Minutes Played
Points Scored
Shooting Efficiency
Game 3 (pre-injury)
28
12
4/9 FG
Game 4
32
16
6/11 FG
Game 5
16
3
1/8 FG
Key observations:
- Nesmith played well in Game 4 despite the injury, showing toughness
- His Game 5 performance was clearly hindered, with limited minutes and poor shooting
- Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged Nesmith's sluggish start in Game 5, leading to an early substitution
Aaron Nesmith's mindset heading into Game 6
Despite the pain, Nesmith has refused to make excuses.
After Game 5, he admitted the ankle was stiff and hurting but emphasized his need to improve. His exact words: "It's stiff. It hurts, but it's no excuse. I just need to play better."
This mentality has earned praise from teammates, who have called him a "warrior" for playing through the injury. His defensive effort and floor spacing remain crucial for Indiana's system, even if his offense isn't at full strength.
Why Nesmith's availability matters for the Indiana Pacers
Nesmith's role extends beyond scoring. Here's what he brings to the
Indiana Pacers
:
- Strong perimeter defense against Knicks guards and wings
- Reliable three-point shooting when healthy
- Energy and hustle plays that fuel Indiana's pace
With Tony Bradley's status questionable, Indiana's frontcourt depth is thin, making Nesmith's presence even more important.
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If he can regain his Game 4 form, the Indiana Pacers' chances of closing out the series improve significantly.
What to expect from Nesmith in Game 6
Given his recent struggles, expectations should be tempered. However, his track record suggests he could still impact the game in key moments. Watch for:
- Early substitutions if the ankle limits his mobility
- Increased defensive assignments if his shot isn't falling
- Possible reduced minutes if the Pacers need more offensive firepower
Also read:
How to watch New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 6: Time, TV channel, and free live stream (May 31, 2025)
The Indiana Pacers are counting on Nesmith to fight through the pain one more time as they push for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. His toughness will be tested, but his willingness to play through injury sets the tone for Indiana's gritty playoff run.
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