Vogel: George Hill Out Against Hornets

Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel declared George Hill out for tonight's game against the New Orleans Hornets. After practicing on Monday, Hill's ankle didn't respond as well as hoped, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost for Hill's return this week.

"George is not going to play tonight," Vogel said in his pre-game media session. "He was close, he played well yesterday was a little bit limited but he's pretty close to being 100 percent. He came in today pretty sore but we're expecting him to give it a go tomorrow night and be available tomorrow night on a limited basis."

It seems like just letting Hill ride out the All-Star break and then comeback next week fully ready to go would make sense at this point. But Vogel seemed to indicate the issues keeping Hill out tonight are not of great concern and it is more about recovery from the work yesterday.

"As soon as you're ready to play, you've gotta go out and play," Vogel said.

We'll see if that holds up tomorrow and more to the point, if Hill's ankle is pain-free and ready to roll in Charlotte. But he will be business casual at least one more night.

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