Aaron Nesmith's hamstring issue kept him day-to-day on the Pacers' Thursday injury report, and he is confirmed out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Thunder. His status for Friday's preseason game against the Bucks has not been announced.
What happened
Nesmith stayed day-to-day on the Thursday, Oct. 15 injury report, but the issue changed from rest to his hamstring, with the leg listed as the body part. He had been day-to-day for rest on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports Nesmith will be rested for Tuesday's preseason game against the Thunder. No word yet on Friday's game. The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 21.
What it means for the Pacers
Indiana hosts the Bucks on Friday at 7 p.m. ET, with Nesmith's status for that game not yet announced. He averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 29.7 minutes across 45 games last season, and he is confirmed out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Thunder. If he sits, the Pacers lean further on a rotation that has produced without him: Pascal Siakam (33.2 minutes, 24.0 points), Bennedict Mathurin (31.8 minutes, 17.8 points), Andrew Nembhard (31.3 minutes, 16.9 points), Jarace Walker (25.7 minutes, 11.6 points) and Kobe Brown (24.7 minutes, 9.4 points). The 2026-27 season has not started, so there is no record with or without him yet.
What to watch
The Pacers' next injury report will show whether Nesmith is available for Friday's preseason game against the Bucks. His expected return is Oct. 21, which would put him back for games after Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder. Indiana still has preseason games left before the 2026-27 regular season opens, and Nesmith's hamstring will be the thing to track on each update.
Is Aaron Nesmith playing vs the Bucks?
His status for Friday's preseason game against the Bucks has not been announced. He is day-to-day with a hamstring issue and is confirmed out for Tuesday's game against the Thunder.
When will Aaron Nesmith be back?
His expected return is Oct. 21, according to the injury report.