NBA News Wire
Pacers F George a game-time decision
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsUpdated15 Oct 2021
Indiana Pacers forward Paul George said he has been “symptom-free” for two days after sustaining a concussion, but he has not been cleared by the team to play.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel said George is a game-time decision for Saturday’s contest against the Miami Heat. The Eastern Conference finals series is tied 1-1.
“We are preparing for both (possibilities),” Vogel said. “I think we have guys that can fill in, certainly not play at Paul’s level. But we would have to adjust the end result at the time, and I’m sure we will be able to do that.”
George still needs to go through more tests and rest before he can be cleared to play.
George, a two-time All-Star, wore a red jersey and was limited to non-contact drills during Thursday’s practice. He was injured during Game 2 of the series after colliding with Heat guard Dwyane Wade.
George took shots at practice and made a dunk before leaving the court. He was not available to reporters afterward.
According to the NBA’s concussion policy, once a player is diagnosed, he must be “held out of all activity until he is symptom-free at rest” and until neurological signs return to normal.
The NBA said the Pacers properly followed its concussion policy.
George has averaged 21.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 41.3 minutes per game in the playoffs.
