Aaron Nesmith Survives the Hamstring Monster and Returns to Pacers Lineup

Aaron Nesmith is officially back in business. According to Underdog NBA, the Indiana Pacers forward is listed as available to play on Monday after nursing a stubborn hamstring injury.

Soft-tissue issues are the undefeated heavyweight champions of the basketball calendar, but Nesmith has apparently survived his latest bout.

"Aaron Nesmith (hamstring) listed available to play Monday. - @UnderdogNBA"

Getting their primary perimeter defender back is a massive swing for Indiana. Nesmith is the exact kind of high-energy glue guy that keeps a fast-paced team from completely falling apart on the defensive end of the floor.

He missed the team's 123-120 season-opening win over the New Orleans Pelicans because of this strain, which he originally picked up during the preseason.

Nesmith’s career injury log reads like a stunt double's resume. He has dealt with everything from necks and ankles to knees and backs over the last few years, so just getting him in uniform is always half the battle.

For the sickos staring at the betting boards, this completely scrambles the math. Anyone looking at Pacers defensive props or opposing wing scoring lines needs to factor in Nesmith's return, as his presence actually makes Indiana a threat to get a stop.

His availability also means the sudden rotation promotion for bench wings like Ben Sheppard is about to dry up. There are only so many minutes to go around when the starters get healthy.

Expect Nesmith to slot right back into his usual defensive assignments on Monday night. Assuming his hamstring holds up to the track meet, the Pacers just got a whole lot more annoying to play against.