I suspect this would depend on how obviously (in the perception of the checki-in agent) the name on the ticket was a shortening or familiar form of the name on the passport.

Mike / Michael or Dave / David you would probably get away with.

Dick / Richard or Bob / Robert is a bit less likely.

Sasha / Alexander (as it is in Russian) is fairly unlikely unless you are in Russia.

The Body Ventura (for Jesse Ventura) is a big no-no unless you are in Illinois