When will Paul George return from injury? Looking at LA Clippers’ star probable comeback date and more

The latest Paul George injury update is not what LA Clippers fans were hoping to hear. Based on the latest reporting, the All-Star forward could be out well into the postseason.

Paul George has missed the past three games with a knee sprain and will likely be sidelined for the coming weeks. During a recent appearance on "FanDuel TV," NBA insider Shams Charania detailed the latest on the Clippers star. He cited that George will be out until at least the first round of the playoffs.

"Right now he's going to be rehabbing his knee sprain over the next two to three weeks.

"The Clippers believe they're going to have to get out of at least the first round for a real window for George to return. You get out of the first round you give yourself a chacne to get George back."

This is devastating news for the Clippers as George has been one of their top players all season. In 56 games this year, he is averaging 23.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 5.1 apg. With George out of action, it is now up to Kawhi Leonard to lead the charge in this final stretch of the regular season.

Can the LA Clippers make it out of the first round without Paul George?

Depending on how things fall, the LA Clippers might struggle in the first round with Paul George out of action. With only a handful of games to go, the playoff picture in the Western Conference is far from set in stone.

As of now, the Clippers sit in fifth place with a record of 40-36. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans are all within two games of them. A bad stretch could result in them having to make their way through the play-in tournament.

If the postseason started today, the Clippers would find themselves in a first-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns. With Kevin Durant on the cusp of returning from injury, he is expected to be on the floor come playoff time. That being said, LA would have their hands full in that matchup with George on the sidelines.

Looking at the standings, the Clippers might be better off dropping to the sixth seed. They wouldn't have to play in the play-in, and would have a much more favorable matchup. The Sacramento Kings have been stellar this year, but they lack playoff experience.

Depending on how things fall next week, the Clippers could see an early exit with Paul George out of the lineup.