Indiana Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith returned to the hardwood on Thursday, and he quickly reminded the Pacers and the rest of the NBA what he can do.

Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith's return from a left ankle sprain was a reminder of how easily he fits in the Pacers' style of play.

The Pacers will likely have to contend with a crowd that will be rooting for the Spurs in both games. With Victor Wembanyama playing in his home country, most fans will be rooting for him and San Antonio. Indiana still feels good about their chances to win both games. They have been playing too well not to be filled with a ton of confidence.

With Aaron Nesmith back and 11 players good enough to be part of the Pacers' rotation, playing time will be less constant.

With Aaron Nesmith back from a sprained left ankle, the Pacers are approaching a tough decision between him and Bennedict Mathurin at small forward.

Haliburton and the Pacers are currently in France for a two-game series. They will be taking on the San Antonio Spurs in Paris. Both games will be the only games that either team will play this week due to the travel. The first game is on Thursday and the second game is on Saturday.

Wing Aaron Nesmith has been out since November 1 with an ankle injury, and Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Jarace Walker, Bennedict Mathurin, and Ben Sheppard have all stepped up in his absence.

Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith scored nine points in nine minutes in his return from a left ankle sprain in the Pacers 111-100 win over the Pistons.

Nesmith is not starting Saturday against the 76ers, Sam DiGiovanni of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Nesmith (ankle) is available for Thursday's game versus the Pistons but be on a minutes restriction, Tony East of WTHR Channel 13 Indianapolis reports. Nesmith will return to action Thursday after missing Indiana's previous 35 contests due to a left ankle sprain.

Spurs: Mitch Johnson (acting). Pacers: Rick Carlisle. Spurs: Points, Wembanyama (24.4 per game). Rebounds, Wembanyama (10.8). Assists, Paul (8.2). Steals, Paul (1.3). Blocks, Wembanyama (4.0). Pacers: Points, Siakam (20.1 per game). Rebounds, Siakam (7.3). Assists, Haliburton (8.8). Steals, Haliburton (1.3). Blocks, Turner (2.0).

The Farmers has a Wednesday-to-Saturday format to avoid a head-to-head TV ratings battle with the NFL on Sunday.