This was supposed to be a lost season for the Indiana Pacers after all-star forward Paul George shattered his leg during a Team USA scrimmage. Only, it seems that the rest of the Pacers didn't get the memo.

The Pacers have all of sudden become one of the hottest teams in the NBA, having just snapped a seven-game win streak, while winning 13 out of the last 16 games tracing back to just before the All-Star break.

While still five games under .500 at 30-35, the Pacers now find themselves holding the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. And now, the eyes are once again looking in George's direction wondering if the versatile swingman will actually try and return this season.

Although George was ahead of schedule in returning to practice at the start of the month, he doesn't seem to eager to get himself back in the mix.

"I think if it gets to the point that these guys are in the playoffs and we're talking about coming back, we might as well let these guys finish that out," he said not wanting to disrupt the chemistry his team has worked their way towards.

"I want to play, but I don't want to play under any terms, just getting out there. I want to be fully healthy. I definitely feel like I have made strides since the last time I talked to you guys. That was my first practice, but I could definitely blow that guy out of the water," George said, while also saying he would give himself an "A-plus-plus-plus" when asked what grade he would give himself.

With still 17 games left in the regular season, the Pacers have a slim half-game lead over the eight place Charlotte Hornets, and just one game over the ninth and tenth place teams.