The Phoenix Suns have been handed a boost ahead of their Play-Off series against Los Angeles Clippers, as Paul George could expected to miss the entirety of their first-round clash.
George has been out for the Clippers since March 21, having suffered a sprained right knee in their defeat to Oklahoma City Thunder. The NBA All-Star hyperextended it during the game, and has been in rehabilitation ever since with the intention to return for the Play-Offs.
But according to ESPN, George is expected to miss the entire first-round series, meaning that his hopes of playing again this season fall on the shoulders of his Clippers team-mates. Their task was already tough against a strengthened Suns side, but the roles of Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard are now even more vital.
George has been targeting a speedy return, with the Clippers star aware that he had just three-and-a-half weeks to get fit in time for the Play-Offs. But Sunday's first postseason game against the Suns has come to soon, as has the entire series.
The eight-time All-Star has averaged 23.8 points per game this season, and is a crucial member of their roster. But in his absence Leonard has found an extra gear, finishing the season as one of the most in-form players across the league.
However, they're facing a side that's remained unbeaten ever since Kevin Durant made his debut - with the Suns looking scorching hot. Durant's trade from the Brooklyn Nets instantly made the Suns one of the favourites for the title, and they're certainly in Championship form.
George will still be hoping he can make it back before the end of the series, but it will also depend on how his side are performing in the early stages. But the Clippers star seemed determined on his podcast, giving fans some hope that he could make a first-round appearance.
"I've been feeling better ... been working my butt off, grinding literally every day," George said recently on his 'Podcast P with Paul George' podcast. "Six days out of the week I'm training, doing rehab.
"I'm going to give it every chance I got, man. It's coming down to the wire." For now it seems as though he hasn't been able to make a full recovery in time, but LeBron James was expected to be out for the season - and somehow bounced back in rapid time.
