INDIANAPOLIS — Paul George‘s long-awaited return is still on hold.

The Pacers say their two-time All-Star will not make his season debut Monday night against Houston — and that they still have not established a timetable for his return. George has not played since his right leg gruesomely snapped after he ran into a basketball stanchion Aug. 1.

“He’s getting a lot better. I think he’s gotta go through a series of tests this week, just like we’ve always been doing to see where he’s at,” said Larry Bird, the Pacers’ president of basketball operations. “I think he’s cleared by the doctors to play, but obviously he’s not in shape.

“Just because he’s cleared to play doesn’t mean he’s in shape to play. And I don’t want Paul to go out there until he feels comfortable with his conditioning and the way he’s practicing. I’d like to see him do a little bit better.”

George told reporters after Monday morning’s shootaround that he does feel closer to being fully healthy, but that he was surprised by an ESPN report last weekend that suggested he could have returned Saturday against Brooklyn or sometime this week.

Coach Frank Vogel says the team has had conversations all season about possible target dates. He did not provide those dates, but reiterated that George will not be rushed back.

ESPN.com’s Mike Mazzeo and The Associated Press contributed to this report.