Report: George likely out for 1st-round series vs. Suns
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is unlikely to play in his team's first-round series against the Phoenix Suns due to his right knee sprain, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
George suffered the injury on March 21 against the Oklahoma City Thunder with only 10 games remaining in the regular season. He hasn't played since but was seen Friday getting up shots at the Clippers' practice facility.
Despite positive signs in his recovery, head coach Tyronn Lue said Friday that the team wouldn't rush the 32-year-old back against Phoenix.
"We're definitely not going to do anything to hurt PG," Lue said, courtesy of Law Murray of The Athletic. "Even if he does try to come back, and if he's not right, then we're not going to let him go. Because we're not going to let him injure himself and make it worse than what it really is."
Los Angeles started veteran guard Eric Gordon in George's place for the final nine games of the regular season, during which the team went 6-3. However, Gordon didn't play in the team's April 1 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans and was replaced in the starting lineup by Norman Powell.
It's the second straight campaign in which George has been ruled out for the start of the Clippers' postseason. The eight-time All-Star missed the side's play-in loss to the New Orleans Pelicans last year after unexpectedly being placed in health and safety protocols.
George registered 23.8 points per game with 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 37.1% from distance in 56 games this season.