Pacers' Paul George hopeful of return from injury this year

NDIANAPOLIS — Paul George says he would like to play this season even though he understands the odds are against him making it back so fast from a gruesome right leg injury.

In his first public comments in more than two months, Indiana's two-time All-Star told reporters Thursday that doctors believe his broken leg should be fully healed in the next several weeks. He hopes that will allow to be cleared for full practices sometime in March.

What remains uncertain is whether he can get back in shape before the regular season ends in mid-April.

The comments come two days after president of basketball operations Larry Bird said he would like to see George play this year if he can.

George says hearing that from Bird was a pleasant surprise.