Report: Pacers' George to return within the week
Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George is on the verge of returning from his year-long absence.
The Pacers are reportedly planning for George to make his season debut sometime within the next week, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, but head coach Frank Vogel flatly denied the possibility that George could return Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets.
"We'll tell you when he's going to play," Vogel added.
George has missed the entire season to date while recovering from a broken leg dating back to his participation in Team USA training camp last summer. George originally planned a mid-March return, but that prognosis proved to be too optimistic.
If he is fully healthy and ready to return, George could help the Pacers secure a low playoff berth. The Pacers are currently tied with the Boston Celtics for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
George is coming off an excellent season in which he earned All-NBA Third Team honors. He posted stellar averages of 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game en route to leading Indiana to the best record in the East.
The Pacers take on the Nets on Saturday, before playing host to the Houston Rockets on Monday. They will also play on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.