Aaron Nesmith is Probable for Sunday, But the Pacers Are Playing It Safe

NBA hamstring injuries are basically the check-engine light on a used sedan. You never really know if it is a minor sensor glitch or if the entire transmission is about to drop out on the highway.

Fortunately for the Indiana Pacers, it looks like they are avoiding a total breakdown. Underdog NBA reported that Aaron Nesmith is officially listed as probable for Sunday as he continues to manage a left hamstring strain.

"Underdog NBA reported Aaron Nesmith is listed as probable for Sunday."

The 27-year-old wing already missed the regular-season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans because of the injury. He finally made his debut on Friday in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, but the Pacers treated him like a fragile museum exhibit. They brought him off the bench and handed the starting small forward spot to Jarace Walker just to be safe.

Nesmith is currently averaging 9.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Those numbers are not going to single-handedly cash your parlay or save your fantasy week, but his defensive energy and floor spacing are the duct tape holding this chaotic Indiana offense together.

For anyone staring at Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets, a probable tag is the exact update you want to see before locking in a lineup. Just remember that being cleared to play is not the same thing as being cleared to run a marathon.

The Pacers have absolutely zero incentive to run one of their most important rotation pieces into the ground in October. Expect Nesmith to suit up, but do not be shocked if Indiana keeps him on a strict minutes limit until that hamstring stops acting up.