Pacers' Nesmith Out at Least 4 Weeks with Knee Sprain

Indianapolis Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith sustained a left knee sprain during Thursday night's loss to the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix, and coach Rick Carlisle announced Friday that the injury will sideline him for at least four weeks.

Nesmith, a key contributor early in the season, was hurt in the third quarter when his right foot landed on teammate Jeremiah Robinson-Earl's left foot while setting a defensive stance. The collision caused Nesmith's left leg to slide, buckling his knee and forcing him to crawl briefly on the court before being helped to the locker room. He did not return to the game, in which the Pacers fell 133-98, dropping their record to 1-11.

"It's likely going to be at least four weeks, so talk to me on December 15th," Carlisle said before Saturday's home game against the Toronto Raptors. "But it's very good news, very, very good news. He's not in a brace. He's walking. I say it's likely going to be four weeks; that doesn't mean it couldn't be less. It's unclear at this time, but he's doing very well, and the news was very, very good." Medical evaluations confirmed no ligament damage, providing relief amid the team's ongoing injury challenges.