Paul George is maintaining hope that he can return to the Indiana Pacers late in the season if the team makes a playoff run.

“It's very possible that I can play (this season),” George said. “I've talked to all the guys and said, 'Man, you guys have to get in the playoffs. That's the best chance I've got of coming back and playing this year.' I've already got it in mind that I could miss this whole year. I'm come to peace with that, but I'd love to be able to come back and play again.”

George suffered a serious fracture in his leg while playing for Team USA in the offseason and the Pacers are operating under the notion that he will not return this season.