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Russell Westbrook returning to Thunder lineup against Suns

Oklahoma Thunder star Russell Westbrook will make his season debut in Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns.

League sources told Yahoo Sports on Oct. 29 that Westbrook had made significant progress in his recovery from a second surgical procedure on his knee and could return to the Thunder's lineup within two weeks. Westbrook's teammates were convinced he could have played in the Thunder's opener, describing him as explosive as ever, sources told Yahoo Sports.

The Daily Oklahoman first reported that Westbrook would play Sunday.

The Thunder had issued an original timetable of six to eight weeks from Wednesday's opening night for Westbrook.

Westbrook began participating in Thunder practice sessions and has impressed everyone with his explosion and fast return to form, sources said.

After rehabilitating a torn meniscus suffered in the Western Conference playoffs in April, Westbrook spent the summer rehabilitating the injury until a loose stitch caused swelling and forced a second surgical procedure in early October.

Westbrook averaged 23.2 points, 7.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds last season. Before the injury, he hadn't missed a game in his five-year NBA career.