Overview
- Carlisle said Nesmith has a left knee sprain and is expected to miss about four weeks, noting the forward is walking without a brace.
- Nesmith was hurt in the third quarter at Phoenix when he stepped on teammate Jeremiah Robinson-Earl’s foot, buckled, and was helped to the locker room.
- He is out for Saturday’s game against the Raptors as the defending East champs navigate a 1-11 start with multiple players already sidelined, including Tyrese Haliburton for the season.
- Nesmith has taken on an expanded role this year, averaging 15.5 points on a career-high shot volume and leading Indiana in made three-pointers.
- Carlisle said Bennedict Mathurin is getting close to returning, offering potential wing help as Indiana leans on hardship additions and thin rotation options.