Ankle sprains are tricky injuries. They’re not a torn ACL, but they are quite painful and common in the NBA. Aaron Nesmith returned to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday despite a sprain to his right ankle. While he was effective during the game, he was seen limping post-match and is now questionable for Game 4, which is alarming given his crucial role on the Pacers.

Nesmith’s defense against Jalen Brunson has been critical, as he previously held Brunson to 27-of-60 shooting in their last matchup. If Nesmith is limited, it would spell trouble for Indiana as they depend on their depth and pacing to outlast their opponents.

Nesmith’s shooting greatly impacts the Pacers’ offensive output. With him on the court, they average 14.4 more points per 100 possessions. His ankle injury poses a significant challenge, especially against a player as dangerous as Brunson who excels in generating offense.

In conclusion, while the Pacers boast depth, the absence or limited capacity of Nesmith could hinder their performance in this high-stakes playoff race.