Paul George out again Tuesday with playoff berth in the balance

If they're planning on using it at all, the Indiana Pacers are saving the most dangerous bullet in the Eastern Conference playoff race for the very last minute.

Despite having cleared all tests in his recovery from a broken leg, Paul George will remain on the sidelines Tuesday when the Pacers take on the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets sit a half-game ahead of the Pacers and hold the eighth and final playoff spot entering play Monday. An Indiana win could vault them into that spot depending on what happens in other action Monday and Tuesday. This is a golden opportunity, but the Pacers continue to practice caution with their recovering superstar.

There's no saying that George would push the Pacers over the top, but even at something far south of 100 percent, he'd be a major addition. George averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 steals last season, emerging as a legitimate two-way star. His return would give Indiana a much-needed boost to their wing rotation.

Much as his long-term health is most important, continuing to sit George after he's cleared all hurdles could surely be frustrating for fans. Time is of the essence, with the Pacers owning anywhere from a 37.9- to 44.2-percent chance of making the playoffs, depending on the system used. And those marks don't include the value of a potential George return.