Next week, it's anticipated that Russell Westbrook, the star of the Los Angeles Clippers, will make his return from a hand injury

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Los Angeles Clippers' point guard Russell Westbrook is poised to make his comeback to the team's roster "next week." Wojnarowski mentioned the possibility of Westbrook returning as soon as Monday, coinciding with the Clippers' game against the Indiana Pacers. The 35-year-old sustained a fractured hand necessitating surgery on March 1 and has been absent from games ever since.

Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star, was a consistent presence in the Los Angeles Clippers' lineup, featuring in all of the team's first 58 games for the 2023-24 season.

Initially, Westbrook started games, but as head coach Tyronn Lue sought to manage the playing time of key players like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Westbrook himself, he transitioned to a role coming off the bench.


This shift proved beneficial for Westbrook, who thrived in his new role as a reserve. Despite playing fewer minutes (averaging 21.0 per game), he maintained impressive statistics, with an average of 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Additionally, he boasted a shooting percentage of 44.8% from the field.

With Westbrook sidelined, the Clippers' performance has faltered, posting a mediocre 5-5 record over the last ten games, including just two victories in their recent six matchups.

Before Westbrook's injury, the Clippers boasted the 10th spot in bench scoring across the league, with an average of 36.6 points per game from reserves and an impressive field goal percentage of 47.7% (according to NBA.com). However, since his absence, they've slipped to 16th place, managing only 31.6 points per game off the bench and shooting at a rate of 42.9% from the field.

Despite these setbacks, the team currently holds a record of 43-25, positioning them well for a playoff berth, which would mark their fifth appearance in the last six seasons. The return of Westbrook, allowing him to shake off any lingering rust before the postseason, could prove pivotal for the Clippers as they seek redemption following last season's early playoff exit.

Woj: Clippers' Russell Westbrook Expected to Return from Hand Injury Next Week
Source : Twitter