Pacers' Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker unlikely to play vs. Heat
Pacers forwards Aaron Nesmith and Jarace Walker are unlikely to play against the Heat on Sunday due to injuries.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers forwards Aaron Nesmith and Jarace Walker have been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Heat, coach Rick Carlisle said in his pre-game press conference. However, All-Star forward Pascal Siakam and point guards Andrew Nembhard and T. J.
McConnell -- all listed as questionable -- will be available for the game. Nesmith had been listed as questionable with lower back soreness going into Sunday. The designation was changed to a cervical strain and he was downgraded to doubtful earlier in the day.
Carlisle said Nesmith has been dealing with it since the Pacers' loss to the Lakers on Wednesday but he was able to play through it then and against the Clippers on Friday night. However, Carlisle said when Nesmith woke up on Sunday it was clear he wasn't going to be in a good place to play. Walker hurt himself Friday when he landed hard after a dunk.
He actually hit his head and was originally moved from the game for a concussion evaluation. Carlisle said that evaluation found that he did not have to formally enter concussion protocol, but he did have a low back bruise. Walker was listed as questionable on Saturday, but Carlisle said he is doubtful.