One of the LA Clippers' key players won't be available for at least the first half of their first-round game against the Phoenix Suns.
Despite "tangible" progress with his knee sprain, Paul George is "expected" to miss the start of the series, according to The Athletic on Monday.
On his podcast on Monday, George stated that his leg "is good" and he is "making progress."
George declared, "I'm feeling better. I've been working myself to the bone. I've been working out almost daily. I work out every day of the week. So, man, I'm gonna give it everything I've got.
The All-Star guard has been sidelined since March 21 because of a right knee sprain he sustained after landing awkwardly while grabbing a rebound during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The day after the injury, the Clippers declared George to be out for the following two to three weeks, causing him to miss the remainder of the regular season.
With George sidelined for the final few weeks of the season, the Clippers were able to avoid the play-in tournament by going 6-3 in their final nine games.
including a victory against the Suns in the regular-season finale on Sunday.
With a record of 44-38 overall, the Clippers also secured the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
George was an All-Star this season and played in 55 games, averaging 23.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals.