New MRI shows Russell Westbrook is healing, per Mike D’Antoni

“It’s getting a lot better, good news,” D’Antoni said of Westbrook. “It’s healing. Can’t rule anything out, but don’t rule anything in.”

The latest MRI on the strained right quad of Russell Westbrook indicates healing, per Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni.

The All-Star guard is ruled out for Tuesday’s Game 1 between the Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder, but nothing has been decided beyond that. Game 2 is Thursday, with games taking place every other day until one team wins four games in the best-of-seven series.

Here’s what D’Antoni said prior to Tuesday’s Game 1:

It’s getting a lot better, good news. It’s healing. We just have to wait and see. I really don’t know at this point. Can’t rule anything out, but don’t rule anything in.

The follow-up MRI was compared to the original MRI, which was taken last Wednesday. Fortunately for the Rockets, it seems to have shown improvement. Shams Charania of The Athletic had reported Monday that the Rockets were hopeful of Westbrook’s return “as soon as this weekend,” which could indicate Saturday’s Game 3.

On Sunday, NBA cameras captured Westbrook going through a series of stationary shooting drills at Houston’s team practice.

Now 31 years old, Westbrook is averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 35.9 minutes per game during a brilliant debut season in Houston. A nine-time NBA All-Star and the league’s 2017 MVP, Westbrook is shooting a career-high 47.2% with the Rockets — whose small-ball approach has opened up more opportunities to attack the rim. He is Houston’s No. 2 scorer, trailing only MVP finalist James Harden.

Until Westbrook returns, Eric Gordon will start in the backcourt next to Harden and draw the initial defensive assignment of Chris Paul.

Game 1 between the Rockets and Thunder tips off at 5:30 p.m. Central on Tuesday, with a national broadcast on TNT and a regional version (with Houston announcers) on AT&T SportsNet Southwest.

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