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NBA·INJURY·October 23, 2026 06:14 PM ET

Aaron Nesmith cleared to face Dallas; Ben Sheppard out with left meniscus tear

Kobe Brown and Jalen Slawson are active on two-way deals.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 59m1 min read
Post on X
Injury update for tonight's game against Dallas: Aaron Nesmith - Available (left hamstring strain) Kobe Brown- Availabl Via @Pacers on X

What happened: Seventh-year wing Aaron Nesmith was upgraded from questionable with a left hamstring strain to available for Friday's game. Ben Sheppard shifted from questionable with left knee soreness to out with a torn left meniscus.

Why it matters: Nesmith's clearance stabilizes the perimeter rotation while three teammates—Sheppard, T.J. McConnell (right hamstring strain), and Johnny Furphy (right ACL surgery)—remain sidelined. Having Brown and Slawson available on their G League two-way contracts provides additional wing depth for the matchup.

By the numbers: Indiana enters Friday's contest at 1-0 in the 2026-27 regular season following a 123-120 road victory over New Orleans on Oct. 21.

What to watch: Indiana takes on Dallas on Friday night aiming for a 2-0 start to the regular season.

Sources

  • @pacers 
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