Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (sprained right ankle) and guard Kam Jones (lower back soreness) were removed from Thursday’s game against the Wizards in the first half due to injuries. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said in his press conference after the game that Nesmith will not play in Friday’s game against the Wizards but the team is hopeful Jones will be available.
Nesmith turned the ankle on a play late in the second quarter. Jones had a stress reaction in his lower back early in the season, and Carlisle said it acted up and he was removed from the game in hopes that beginning treatment would give him an opportunity to play Friday.
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Nesmith entered the game averaging 13.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He scored three points in the first half on 0 of 3 shooting. Jones scored four first-half points on 2 of 2 shooting. The rookie is averaging 3.1 points per game this season.
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) and Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) battle for the opening tip during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) and Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) battle for the opening tip during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) advances the ball as Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) shoots over Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) advances the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith (23) and Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) and Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) battle for a rebound during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) advances the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) dribbles as Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) looks on during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Brian Keefe looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) shoots over Indiana Pacers center Micah Potter (11) during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) shoots over Indiana Pacers center Micah Potter (11) during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) dribbles as Indiana Pacers guard Kam Jones (7) defends during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
The Pacers have just eight players available for the rest of the game. All-Star Pascal Siakam, center Ivica Zubac and point guard T.J. McConnell were ruled out prior to the game. Point guard Tyrese Haliburton, forward Obi Toppin and forward Johnny Furphy are dealing with long-term injuries. Two-way contract guard Quenton Jackson was also listed as inactive.
Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers injury report: Aaron Nesmith, Kam Jones out vs Wizards