Paul George out Monday, doesn't know where reports of imminent return came from
The confusion and speculation surrounding Paul George's return to the Indiana Pacers' lineup has intensified once again.
George has been officially ruled out of Monday's game against the Houston Rockets after the star forward shot down the idea that he was set for a return this week.
PG: On coming back this week - "I don't know where that came from."
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 23, 2015
Since suffering a gruesome broken leg while scrimmaging with Team USA in the summer, there have been a number of potential return dates tied to George's name.
At one point he was expected to miss the entire 2014-15 season. Later it was believed he could return for an unlikely Pacers playoff appearance, or perhaps even the team's late season playoff push beginning in mid-March. George then mentioned last week that he could keep himself out as to not disrupt the rolling Pacers' chemistry.
On Friday it was reported by ESPN's Brian Windhorst that George was set for a return within the week, and potentially as early as the weekend. That weekend came and went, of course, and while George does appear to be getting closer, his comments on Monday have cast some doubt on an imminent return this week.
Pacers President Larry Bird does still expect George back before the end of the season, however, even if it's not yet the George fans have become accustomed to.
"I expect him to play this year. I hope he does for his own good," Bird told ESPN's Mike Mazzeo. "Not for us to get in the playoffs or anything like that, but just for his own mental state," Bird added.
"I think anytime you go through an injury like that, you have to get back out there and prove yourself. But he's not going to be 100 percent."
After winning 13 of 15 games to climb into an Eastern Conference playoff spot, the Pacers have lost five straight to fall a half-game back of eighth-place.
George, an All-NBA Third Team selection last season, averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 steals on a True Shooting Percentage of 55.5 while earning All-Defensive First Team honors.
Suffice to say, while the conflicting reports regarding his return are getting tiresome, George could greatly impact the East playoff race.