Just two days after his clearance to return to the practice court, Russell Westbrook will start in Friday’s scrimmage for the Houston Rockets. The news was first reported by Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston.
Westbrook missed more than a week of practice time with the Rockets at the NBA “bubble” complex in Florida due to his recovery from COVID-19. His practices on Wednesday and Thursday were his first since the 2019-20 season was suspended due to the coronavirus way back in March.
Nonetheless, the nine-time NBA All-Star and 2017 MVP is known for his competitiveness, and it appears he has decided to give it a go on Friday. Houston head coach Mike D’Antoni had said earlier in the week that he doubted Westbrook would play in the scrimmage opener due to his time off, but he walked back those comments on Wednesday and said he would leave it up to Westbrook and the medical staff.
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Even though Westbrook wasn’t able to access a basketball court during his COVID-19 quarantine at home, the Rockets have said he was able to go through some individual workouts, which helped him stay in shape. Backcourt co-star James Harden was one of many Rockets to rave about Westbrook’s performances upon his return to the practice court.
NBA source: Russell Westbrook will play tonight for the #Rockets in their first exhibition game against Toronto.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 24, 2020
Now 31 years old, Westbrook is averaging 27.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in a brilliant debut season in Houston. His 47.4% shooting clip is the best of his 12-year career, and his scoring and efficiency metrics have progressively improved throughout the year. He joined Harden as a Western Conference representative in the 2020 All-Star Game.
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Friday’s scrimmage tip-off between the Rockets (40-24) and Toronto Raptors (46-18) is set for 6:30 p.m. Central, with a live television broadcast available on NBA TV. It should be a strong matchup between a pair of title contenders who have already clinched their playoff spots.
After two more scrimmages Sunday and Tuesday, the Rockets will officially resume their regular season next Friday, July 31 versus Dallas.
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