Paul George is listed out for Monday night's game at Houston, with the injury report citing rest. The Celtics, 5-1 with him in the lineup, will play their first game of the season without him.
What happened
Boston listed Paul George as out on the injury report posted Monday at 2:20 PM ET. The reason is rest, filed as "Rest · Other." He had no previous status on this report. George, 36, played Sunday in the 108-97 win over the Magic. The report's comment notes he posted 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in 33 minutes. Earlier this season he was listed day-to-day for rest on Oct. 8 and Oct. 16, and cleared both times, on Oct. 10 and Oct. 17. The report gives an expected return of Nov. 4.
What it means for the Celtics
The Celtics play at the Rockets on Monday at 8:30 PM ET. They arrive 5-1, third in the standings and on a five-game winning streak. George has played all six games, averaging 31.0 minutes, 20.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists. Boston is 5-1 with him and has not yet played a game without him. The minutes lead the rotation: Jayson Tatum (35.6 minutes, 28.3 points), Derrick White (29.9, 11.8) and Payton Pritchard (27.6, 15.0). Neemias Queta (21.0), Sam Hauser (20.1), Mitchell Robinson (20.1), Baylor Scheierman (18.8) and Jordan Walsh (16.6) follow. Devin Carter is also out, with an illness.
What to watch
The expected return date on the report is Nov. 4, which is Wednesday. The next injury report update has not been announced. Watch whether George is cleared for that date, and how Boston spreads his minutes in Houston with Carter also out. Tatum, White and Pritchard carry the heaviest loads among the players available. No game after Monday's is listed in the update.
Is Paul George playing at the Rockets?
No. Boston listed George as out for Monday's 8:30 PM ET game at Houston. The reason given is rest.
When will Paul George be back?
The injury report gives an expected return of Nov. 4. Boston has not announced anything beyond that date.