INDIANAPOLIS -- Guard Ben Sheppard will miss the Pacers' game Friday against the Mavericks and additional time with a left meniscus injury but forward Aaron Nesmith will be available, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said in his pre-game availability.
Carlisle said Sheppard suffered the injury during Wednesday's win over the Pelicans in New Orleans. He indicated that the injury will likely keep Sheppard out at least two weeks but indicated that's still uncertain at this point.
Nesmith missed the opener with a hamstring strain. Backup point guard T.J. McConnell is also out with a hamstring strain.
Sheppard averaged 5.6 points per game last season and scored three points in the season opener. He's quietly been a key piece to the Pacers' bench throughout his three seasons. His absence will likely mean more work for guard Quenton Jackson, who scored six points in Wednesday's opener.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers get good news on Aaron Newsmith, bad news on Ben Sheppard on injury report