With just a handful of games remaining on the schedule, the Indiana Pacers are preparing to turn their attention to the playoffs, where they will look to follow up on their conference finals appearance from last year.
As it stands, the Pacers are in a good spot to prove they are a legitimate threat in the playoffs. They own the No. 4 seed in the East and will secure homecourt advantage for the first time since 2020, barring a late-season collapse.
Last season, the Pacers went on their deep playoff run largely because of Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner. However, they also received solid play from guys like Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell. This will likely continue to be the case during this year's playoff run as well, but the Pacers have another X-factor teams must prepare for, and he is only getting started.
This Pacers X-factor will be crucial to the team's playoff success
There are many Pacers who could make the argument to be the team's X-factor for the playoffs. However, it is fair to say the most important one is Aaron Nesmith, who has played lights-out recently.
Since the beginning of March, Nesmith has appeared in 17 games for the Pacers, who went 11-6 during that stretch. During those games, the Vanderbilt alum averaged 15.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1 steal. Additionally, he is shooting 52.1% from the field and 44.8% from the three-point line in that time while also playing stellar defense.
Nesmith has been a solid contributor for the Pacers ever since they acquired him from the Boston Celtics in 2022. However, he has turned it up another level recently and is continuing to establish himself as an important part of the team.
What makes Nesmith even more valuable to the team is the wing defense he provides on the court. The Pacers have struggled against the top wings in the league, so having Nesmith available and playing as well as he has been will bode well for their chances of making a second consecutive deep playoff run.
As the Pacers look to gain as much momentum as they can heading into the playoffs, it is crucial for the team to continue hitting their stride this late in the season. Luckily for them, Nesmith is getting hot at the perfect time, and he will be essential to the team's success during their upcoming playoff run.