Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is reportedly expected back next week
Russell Westbrook is set to return after less than a month away from basketball.
According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Clippers guard will rejoin the lineup next week, and even as early as Monday.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is expected to return to the lineup next week — perhaps as soon as Monday vs. the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. Westbrook — one of the league’s top sixth men — had surgery to repair a fractured left hand three weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/cL6JdNyVaO
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 22, 2024
It comes more than three weeks after Westbrook injured his left hand in the second quarter of the Clippers’ 140-115 win over the Washington Wizards.
Los Angeles was hopeful that the 35-year-old sixth man could return to the lineup before the playoffs, and the Clippers got their wish.
Westbrook was hurt while trying to come up with a steal as Wizards guard Jordan Poole handled the ball. The 17-year veteran grabbed his hand immediately, tried to stay in the game, but ultimately asked to be subbed out at the next stoppage.
Los Angeles (43-25) currently owns the fourth-best record in the Western Conference and sits five games out of first place behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.
In 58 games this season, Westbrook is averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists.