Mike Wells at the Indy Star

Injured Indiana Pacers guard George Hill has some work ahead of him before he returns to the lineup, but he took a step in that direction Saturday when he wore a shoe on his left foot instead of a walking boot.

Hill has missed the past three games after suffering a small chip fracture in his left ankle against New Jersey on Jan. 31.

"It's not as bad as they thought it was," Hill said. "It's only a partial chip instead of it being fully chipped. They say my return is looking pretty good."

Neither Hill nor the Pacers would put a timetable on his return, but the former Broad Ripple High School and IUPUI star said his goal is to return before the All-Star break, which starts Feb. 23.

"I'm planning on it," Hill said. "I have to continue to do the rehab they've got me doing and things like that."

Clearly not a definitive diagnosis, but just hearing that it's "not as bad as they thought" is enough to make me smile. I'd prefer he not push it and take through the break to rest it, but I'm not a doctor, just stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.