Paul George out vs. Suns with ankle injury

Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George will not play in Friday night's contest versus the Phoenix Suns due to a sore left ankle, the team announced.

It will mark the second game George has missed this season.

The 26-year-old is putting up stellar numbers for Indiana in 2016-17, averaging 21 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.8 steals, while shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and 40.3 percent from distance.

The loss is a big blow for the Pacers, who've struggled to live up to their hype following a busy offseason.

C.J. Miles will start at small forward in George's place.

Rodney Stuckey will return to the court after missing the last 10 contests with a hamstring strain.