The Indiana Pacers aren\u2019t down and out just yet.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve failed to meet expectations after a promising 2023-24 campaign. However, they\u2019re eighth in the East, tied with the surprisingly competitive Atlanta Hawks at 18-18. They\u2019re also just 0.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat, who are fifth and sixth in the conference standings, respectively.<\/p>\n
Due to the Bucks\u2019 backslide and Jimmy Butler<\/a> breaking the Heat\u2019s heart, there\u2019s a legitimate possibility that they could slide into a top-four spot by the time the playoffs begin. Depending on how Miami chooses to resolve their fiasco with Butler, it might be sooner than that.<\/p>\n Teams never want to put their fate in someone else hands, be it a referee or another franchise. That\u2019s one reason why the news about Aaron Nesmith<\/a>\u2019s impending return is incredibly important.<\/p>\n In an update provided by Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle (h\/t Indianapolis Star reporter Dustin Dopirak), the 2020 No. 14 pick is said to be \u2018getting some five-on-five work.\u2019 It\u2019s unclear whether that\u2019s been in contact or non-contact settings.<\/p>\n Asked Carlisle for an update on Aaron Nesmith. He said he’s been getting some five-on-five work. Said the reconditioning will take some time just because of how much time he’s missed.<\/p>\n \u2014 Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) January 4, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nPacers\u2019 Aaron Nesmith Takes Major Step After Ankle Injury<\/h2>\n
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