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Russell Westbrook’s Injury Could Spell Doom For Thunder

By Michael Saenz

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Oct 29, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard

Russell Westbrook

(0) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers guard

Steve Blake

(25) and forward

LaMarcus Aldridge

(12) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook is expected to miss 4-6 weeks for the Oklahoma City Thunder with a broken hand

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It was one thing for the Oklahoma City Thunder to get by with one of their big two — Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant — missing a portion of the NBA’s regular season. But it’s an entirely different thing for them to both be out at the same time.

Although, that’s the fate the Thunder were issued Thursday night when Russell Westbrook left their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a hand injury.

The injury ultimately turned out to be a fracture in his right hand, which could keep him out until mid-December.

[via The Oklahoman]

"The early indication is that Russell Westbrook could miss four to six weeks after fracturing the second metacarpal in his right hand Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers."

"It could keep the Thunder’s electric point guard sidelined through mid-December and add him to an already ridiculously long list of injured Oklahoma City players who are expected to miss the season’s first month."

"…"

"Westbrook appeared to sustain his hand injury with just over eight minutes remaining in the second quarter of the Thunder’s 93-90 loss to the Clippers. After missing a shot in front of the rim, Westbrook went for the offensive rebound but hit his hand against [Kendrick] Perkins’ back. Westbrook immediately looked down at his hand and grimaced. As he transitioned on defense, he attempted to shake off the discomfort. But 90 seconds later, Westbrook removed himself from the game and after pausing briefly at the end of the bench darted toward the locker room."

As it was, the Thunder were already nursing injuries to Reggie Jackson (ankle), Kevin Durant (foot) and Anthony Morrow (knee). Now it’s going to be four key rotation players, and their two best players, sitting out for a while.

The 0-2 Thunder could find themselves in some serious trouble soon.

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant might not return until mid-December. Although, by that time, the Thunder could be very well out of contention.

Regardless, it’s going to be rough sledding between now and then.

OKC’s next four games consist of four playoff teams from a year ago, and one of the deepest teams in the NBA — the Denver Nuggets. And that’s just their next handful of games.

The Thunder are going to return two of the five best players in the NBA in a few weeks, but you have to wonder if it’s even going to matter by that time.

OKC literally couldn’t have started this season any worse. And it’s just the beginning.

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