Although the Thunder are yet to officially complete the 2019-20 regular season, the focus has already shifted to the team’s first round playoff matchup with the Houston Rockets, who may be without Russell Westbrook for the duration of the series.
By the time the Thunder and Rockets arrived at the final night of the regular season, the Western Conference’s playoff matchups had mostly been set. Houston and Oklahoma City will square off in a first round matchup that will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 18, although the team’s final rankings were still to be determined.
The question that was far more important on Friday night, though, was whether or not Westbrook would actually be able to participate.
After the former MVP was diagnosed with a strained right quad and ruled out for at least the beginning of the playoff series, head coach Mike D’Antoni was quoted by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon as admitting to not knowing when Westbrook would return.
The Rockets were set to complete their 2019-20 season schedule with a contest against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.
“I don’t think they have a specific time on it yet,” D’Antoni was quoted as saying.
“Hopefully, it’s sooner than later. Obviously, we’ll have to hold serve until he gets back.”
Mike D’Antoni on when Russell Westbrook might be able to play in the series against the Thunder: “I don’t think they have a specific time on it yet. Hopefully, it’s sooner than later. Obviously, we’ll have to hold serve until he gets back.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) August 14, 2020
Particularly for players who rely on athleticism and explosiveness, leg injuries can be difficult.
Hamstrings, ankles and quads are vital in the performance of regular basketball tasks, so those hoping to see Westbrook play in the series at all — much less as his normal self — might be out of luck. This is truly a situation that will continue to develop.
For what it’s worth, Westbrook last played on Aug. 11, meaning that by the time the series begins, he will have had six fall days of rest. Improvements in treatment and medical science would probably ensure that he receives the best possible treatment, but whether or not it will make a difference is the question.