Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is expected to return to action next week, possibly as soon as Monday against Indiana, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter).
The 2017 MVP sustained a left hand fracture on March 1 and underwent surgery a few days later. Potentially returning in under four weeks certainly seems like a quick recovery, and Wojnarowski suggests Westbrook is progressing ahead of schedule (Twitter link).
Westbrook has primarily come off the bench in 2023/24, averaging 11.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.4 APG and 1.1 SPG on .452/.268/.677 shooting in 58 games (22.6 MPG).
Los Angeles has gone 5-5 in 10 games thus far without Westbrook, and he will provide a jolt of energy, play-making and rebounding to the Clips’ backcourt once he returns.
The nine-time All-NBA member had appeared in every game for L.A. prior to the injury. Third-year guard Bones Hyland will likely be removed from the rotation again when Westbrook comes back.
The Clippers are currently 43-25, the No. 4 seed in the West.
Good.
Glad Russ found a good home, really good fit for him and nice (wild) card for Lue to play when the chaos of the playoffs soon begin
They need his energy, one of their few guys that push a pace.