Pacers forward Paul George has been walking without crutches around the Indiana facility and he believes he will play this season.

George is recovering from a gruesome leg injury in which he suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula bones in his right leg. The injury obviously ended George’s time with Team USA for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. George spoke to Pacers.com and said that his rehab is going very well and he fully expects to play in 2014-15.

“It's very possible that I can play (this season). 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’s presence would be a huge boost to a Pacer team that is expected to struggle without the All-Star forward. George is coming off a breakout season for the Pacers and he was expected to lead Indiana back to the postseason after a disappointing run in the 2013-14 playoffs.

George averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game for Indiana and shot 42 percent from the field. The Pacers are projected to win 32.5 wins according to the Las Vegas sportsbook, which is down from 52.5 this time last season.

[Pacers]

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