Paul George 'will need more time' following MRI, but is improving

George has been out since Dec. 22 after it was learned he had torn the UCL in his right elbow. It all stems back to an injury earlier in the month, however, as he sprained the ligament on Dec. 6 but rushed back to return on Dec. 20 after missing four games.

He played on Dec. 20 and Dec. 22, but after playing 32 minutes that night, he reported more pain in the elbow. It was announced after the game he would miss three weeks with the torn UCL.

In January, Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported that the Clippers were operating under the possibility that George may not return to the court this season. There's already the possibility that his counterpart Kawhi Leonard won't see the floor in 2021-22, as he remains out with a knee injury.

However, on Friday, Law Murray of The Athletic reported that George is working out and staying in shape in anticipation of a possible return in March. The team did not disclose whether or not the MRI results support that timeline, but they certainly point in the right direction.

Whenever George does return, it will be a huge boost for a Clippers squad that has done a decent job of treading water in his absence. They entered Friday at 30-31, good for eighth in the Western Conference and a firm spot in the play-in picture.

Over 26 appearances this season, George is averaging 24.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.