Russell Westbrook's Quad Healing, but Return Still Uncertain

By Dana Cruz Aug 19 2020, 04:16 AM EDT

Russell Westbrook's quad injury showed signs of healing based on the latest MRI, said Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni.

Due to the injury, Westbrook was ruled out for Tuesday's game against Oklahoma City Thunder. Nothing had been decided beyond that, according to USA Today's Rockets Wire. The next game is on Thursday.

Westbrook's quad injury caused concern that he may not be able to play at the start of the NBA playoffs.

Before Tuesday's opener, D'Antoni delivered the good news that Westbrook's quad injury is "getting a lot better."

"It's healing. We just have to wait and see. I really don't know at this point. Can't rule anything out," he added.

A follow-up exam on the quad was compared to the original MRI that was taken last Wednesday.

Westbrooks Hopefully Returns This Weekend

Fortunately for the Rockets, the leg is showing signs of improvement. Citing a source, The Athletics' Shams Charania said on Monday that the Rockets were hopeful of Westbrook's return "as soon as this weekend."

With that calendar, the team could be looking at a Game 3 on Saturday that will include Westbrook.

At 31 years old, Westbrook has averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. He has played an average of 35.9 minutes per game during Houston's debut season.

As a nine-time National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star and the league's 2017 MVP, Westbrook is at a career-high, shooting 47.2 percent with the Rockets. He holds the second spot in scoring for Houston, trailing behind MVP finalist James Harden.

As the team awaits Westbrook's return, Eric Gordon will start in the backcourt alongside Harden. Gordon will be drawing the initial defensive assignment of Chris Paul.

Westbrook arrived late in the NBA 'Bubble' at Walt Disney World Resort because he tested positive for COVID-19. His team left for Orlando early in July, while he came in just in time to be part of the practices and scrimmages before the season restart.

He felt soreness in his right quadriceps after the Rockets lost to the Portland Trail Blazers on August 4, reported the ESPN.

According to the team, he sat out the next two games due to a contusion on his right quad.

In the August 11 game where the Rockets lost to San Antonio Spurs, Westbrook played 28 minutes. He recorded 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

D'Antoni said Westbrook probably didn't "aggravate" his muscles during this feat, but the Rockets guard woke up the following day "kind of sore."

The following day, the team announced that an MRI found a strained muscle in Westbrook's right quad.

Rockets is Counting on Westbrook

According to CBS Sports, if the Rockets are looking for a serious run towards the championship, they would need Westbrook.

The four consecutive rounds of ball-handling load can't be carried by Harden alone. Westbrook has proven himself to be an important member of the team postseason.

With that, many fans hope he can get back on the court with full strength early in the first round.