Pacers' Nesmith Out With Knee Injury, Rookie Sheppard to Start

The Indiana Pacers will be without the services of starting small forward Aaron Nesmith when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. Nesmith sustained a bruised right knee after a collision with Lakers wing Cam Reddish in the second quarter of Sunday’s game, leaving him hobbled for the remainder of the contest.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed concern over Nesmith’s condition following the game but remained uncertain about the severity of the injury until further evaluation. Despite the setback, Nesmith continued to play limited minutes in the second half, though his time on the court was primarily restricted due to foul trouble.

“I’m alright,” Nesmith tersely commented after the game, suggesting that the injury might not be as severe as initially feared.

Nesmith has been a crucial contributor for the Pacers this season, averaging 12.3 points per game on an impressive 49.8% shooting from the field, including a 44% clip from beyond the arc. His absence will undoubtedly be felt on both ends of the court, as he has also established himself as one of the team’s top perimeter defenders, tasked with guarding the likes of LeBron James in Sunday’s loss.

With Nesmith sidelined, rookie guard Ben Sheppard will make his first career start against the Clippers. The 26th overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Belmont University, Sheppard has shown flashes of promise, averaging 4.2 points per game on the season and 6.5 points per game since the All-Star break.

Sheppard’s shooting numbers have been impressive in the latter stretch, converting 46.6% of his field goal attempts and 37.3% from three-point range. Perhaps more importantly, he has emerged as one of the Pacers’ most reliable perimeter defenders, often subbing in to assume the roles typically occupied by Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard.

As the Pacers navigate this latest injury setback, all eyes will be on the rookie Sheppard to seize the opportunity and showcase his potential on the big stage. The team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test as they aim to maintain their playoff push against a formidable Clippers squad.