This underdog run by the Pacers has been one for the history books. All eyes were on the Best of the West this playoffs, but they seem to have forgotten the Beasts of the East. And this season, that’s been this ragtag Indiana team. Yes, Tyrese Haliburton will be getting the majority of the lauds. Fully deserved too. But man, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard have been having the playoffs straight from the heavens. And Rick Carlisle values them over the world’s best.
But they’re at risk of being just the 14th team to be on the wrong side of a 3-1 series comeback. And after seeing their playoff run so far, it’ll really be heartbreaking to see this side not even make it to the Finals at least. So, who does the Pacers HC have at his disposal for the all-important Game 6 tonight?
Pacers injury report ahead of Knicks clash
Andrew Nembhard has been seeing career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists this season. And that coming from a 3-game drop-off from last season speaks volumes. He might’ve killed it against the Cavs, but the Knicks are somehow proving to be his kryptonite. He’s averaging 6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 23.1% from the field and 16.7% from deep in the last three games. But the Pacers SG has a point to prove this game- which he will get, after he is confirmed to be fit to play too.
Aaron Nesmith has been battling a pretty serious ankle injury throughout this series. But guess what- no champion uses that as an excuse to give his team the loss. And while there’s been an obvious drop-off in performance, Indiana’s warrior isn’t going anywhere. He’s been cleared from the injury list and is available for Game 6 against New York.
“It’s stiff. It hurts, but it’s no excuse,” Nesmith said after Game 5, according to the Indianapolis Star. “Gotta be better. I was able to play Game 4. I could play today. There was no excuse. … I just need to play better.” If this isn’t the mentality that brings you the dubs, then nothing will.
Oct 27, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle talks to forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
But well, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in their injury report. Center Tony Bradley exited Game 5 with a left hip flexor strain. That was probably the moment Myles Turner understood the gravity of his assignment for the rest of the series. While it’s not the most serious of injuries, it does leave him questionable to make an appearance tonight.
Pacers predicted lineup vs Knicks
The Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to win last time round. Draymond Green even spoke of the Garden not being much of a factor- which well, ended up being one of the biggest in Game 5. But Game 6 being at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse changes everything. Luckily none of the Pacers’ starters are injured. So on that note, this is the lineup they’re expected to field tonight:
Point Guard
Tyrese Haliburton
Shooting Guard
Andrew Nembhard
Power Forward
Pascal Siakam
Small Forward
Aaron Nesmith
Center
Myles Turner
This is it. Either team will face heartbreak- that’s a given. But which team will it be? If it’s the Pacers, then we’ll have to wait for a bit for that confirmation. But a Pacers win will send the Big Apple straight down the throat of the monster. Get your popcorn ready.
The post Will Aaron Nesmith & Andrew Nembhard Play Tonight? Reviewing Knicks vs Pacers Injury Report for ECF Game 6 appeared first on EssentiallySports.