Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is expected to return to action next week, possibly as soon as Monday against Indiana, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via X).
The 2016-17 league MVP sustained a left hand fracture on March 1 and underwent surgery a few days later. Potentially returning in under four weeks certainly seems like a quick recovery, and Wojnarowski suggests Westbrook is ahead of schedule.
Westbrook has primarily come off the bench in 2023/24, averaging 11.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.4 APG and 1.1 SPG on .452/.268/.677 shooting in 58 games (22.6 MPG). L.A. has gone 5-5 in 10 games without Westbrook thus far, and his return should provide a jolt of energy, rebounding and tenacity.
The nine-time All-NBA member had appeared in every game for the Clips before the injury. Once he returns, third-year guard Bones Hyland will likely be removed from the rotation again.
The Clippers are currently 43-25, the No. 4 seed in the West.
