Indiana Pacers still have no Return Timetable for Paul George

The Indiana Pacers announced that their star player Paul George will not play in Monday's game against the Houston Rockets. The team added that there is currently no return timetable for the two-time All Star small forward.

"He's getting a lot better. I think he's gotta go through a series of tests this week, just like we've always been doing to see where he's at," said Larry Bird, the Pacers' president of basketball operations. "I think he's cleared by the doctors to play, but obviously he's not in shape...I don't want Paul to go out there until he feels comfortable with his conditioning and the way he's practicing. I'd like to see him do a little bit better."

On Monday, George, 24, told reporters that he feels better and believes that he is very close to being 100 percent healthy. However, the Pacers have made it clear that they will not rush George.

"I still don't know when my return date will be," George said to reporters. "I wanted it to be March 14, but that obviously didn't happen. We're just being smart about the situation. When the time's ready, I'll be back out there."

He added, "Obviously, I think it would be a better moment coming back here [Indiana]. I think I owe it to the fans for them to get the first glimpse of my first night on the floor."

George sustained a compound fracture in lower right leg's tibia and fibula on August 1. The injury occurred during a Las Vegas scrimmage. After fouling James Harden, George landed awkwardly on his leg and had immediate surgery. He returned to practice on Feb. 26.