Russell Westbrook advances to running work, still out for Game 3

Westbrook (right quad strain) is still out, but he’s getting closer to a return — as evidenced by his progression Friday to running.

As expected, All-Star guard Russell Westbrook (right quad strain) is again listed as out for Game 3 of the first-round playoff series between his Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With the Rockets up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, they now have the opportunity to be more cautious with his recovery.

There are, however, clear signs that Westbrook is getting closer to a return. Before Friday’s practice, head coach Mike D’Antoni said the former MVP would do some running on the court for the first time since he was ruled out with the quad injury more than a week ago.

“Today’s going to be the first day he gets on the court and does some running,” D’Antoni told reporters. “He’s been shooting, a lot, but any kind of contact — he has not done that yet.”

Earlier in the day, D’Antoni admitted in an interview with Matt Thomas of SportsTalk 790 that the status of the series (i.e. Houston’s 2-0 lead) was playing a role in their thought process on Westbrook.

“Winning gives us a chance to be a bit more conservative,” D’Antoni said. “We want to make sure when he comes back, that he’s 100 [percent].”

On Tuesday, D’Antoni said that new MRI imaging on Westbrook’s quad had shown improvement. A day earlier, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Rockets were hopeful of Westbrook’s return “as soon as this weekend,” which seemed to point to Saturday’s Game 3.

But that report and those D’Antoni comments came prior to the first two games of the series, which may be giving Houston more wiggle room.

Even while not playing, Westbrook has still found ways to contribute with his coaching and cheering from the Houston bench.

Game 3 between the Rockets and Thunder will tip off at 5:00 p.m. Central on Saturday, with a national broadcast on ESPN and a regional version (with Houston announcers) on AT&T SportsNet Southwest.

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