INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers point guard George Hill, who missed Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks because of a concussion, was scheduled to undergo more tests today but the team could offer no addition insight into his situation.
“He’ll take the concussion test later today. Still no updates,” said Indiana coach Frank Vogel, who offered a form “no comment” when asked if the hit by Tyson Chandler in Game 4 that left Hill with the concussion was a legit screen.
A determination on Hill’s availability for Game 6 Saturday will not be made until the day of the game.
The NBA meanwhile posted its concussion protocols on the league website and emphasized the individuality of each situation.
“There is no timeframe to complete the protocol. Each injury and player is different and recovery time can vary in each case,” according to the policy.
Any player who “is suspected of having a concussion, or exhibits the signs or symptoms of concussion” will receive a neurological evaluation. From there, there are numerous steps and protocols designed to protect the player. Any diagnosis of concussion immediately prohibits the player from competing. Before returning to activity, a player must step by step gradually increase his level of activity. He must be symptom free at each step before proceeding.
When he is symptom free, he must be cleared by the team doctor in consultation with the league director of the NBA Concussion Program.
Should Hill not be able to play Saturday, D.J. Augustin would likely start again. Augustin had 12 points and no assists in the Pacers’ 85-75 Game 5 defeat.
“I’m just going to let the game come to me. I’m not going to force anything. My teammates and my coaches want me to shoot when I’m open and that’s what I’m going to try to do,” Augustin said. “We just know what we have to do. Make adjustments, stay locked in and play defense.”
The Pacers have two shots to eliminate the Knicks and advance against the Heat. Their best shot is on their home court Saturday.
“We’ve got to feel great about playing in front of our home crowd. We know it’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be given to us, but we’ve got to feel good to play here,” Paul George said.