Pacers' Hill to play in Game 6

May 18, 2013 - 10:59 PM Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill has been cleared to participate in Saturday's pivotal Game 6 of the team's Eastern Conference semifinal series with the New York Knicks.

Hill sat out Thursday's 85-75 loss to the Knicks with a concussion he sustained while colliding with New York center Tyson Chandler during the first half of Tuesday's Game 4. The Indianapolis native finished that game with a team-best 26 points to lead the Pacers to a 93-82 triumph.

The 27-year-old was questionable heading into Saturday's matchup, but the Pacers announced he has since passed the NBA's mandatory protocol for players returning from concussions.

"Over the last two days under the care of the Indiana Pacers' medical staff, George Hill has participated in each step of the NBA's Return-to-Participation Exertion Protocol as part of the NBA's Concussion Policy," the Pacers said in a statement. "During the process, George remained symptom-free after each step including his workouts earlier today. After consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the NBA's Director of Concussion Management, the Pacers' team physicians have cleared George to play in tonight's game."

The Pacers, who have won each of their five home tilts in this year's playoffs by 11 or more points, can clinch a spot in the East finals against Miami with a victory on Saturday.