The Indiana Pacers haven't yet gotten off into a rhythm to start the 2026-27 season, as the injury bug that made their life hell last season hasn't left them yet completely. Tyrese Haliburton remains out with a hamstring injury, and on Wednesday, in a much-needed 114-101 victory over the Washington Wizards, Aaron Nesmith exited the game early due to a right knee injury.

The Pacers subbed out Nesmith with 4:57 remaining in the third quarter and he would not return to the contest. The last thing Indiana needs is to miss another starter with Haliburton already out.

After the game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle provided an update on Nesmith's injury. Carlisle, according to Tony East of Forbes, said that Nesmith experienced tightness in the back of his knee, and they remain unclear as to how severe this injury actually is.

Carlisle is hoping that it's just a “minor” injury, and for now, the Pacers are considering Nesmith to be day-to-day as they await further information regarding his knee.

Nesmith has missed just two games thus far this season for the Pacers, with his previous absences coming due to a left hamstring injury. Last season was also trying for Nesmith on the injury front, as he suited up in just 45 games amid the team's injury-ravaged campaign.

On Wednesday, Nesmith played in just 22 minutes and finished with two points on 1-of-6 shooting from the floor before exiting.

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The Pacers entered their clash against the Wizards with a 3-8 record, which is well below expectations for a team that believes it can compete for a title considering where they were coming from back when they were at full strength.

Nesmith played an instrumental role in the Pacers' run to the NBA Finals in 2025, as he made plenty of clutch shots all throughout the playoffs. Having him healthy is going to be key for Indiana if they were to bounce back from this slow start to the 2026-27 season.