Russell Westbrook, 31, of the Houston Rockets is reportedly expected to miss the first few playoff games after his MRI revealed a strained right quad, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen.
On Tuesday, Westbrook had another MRI, according to Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni.
“It’s getting a lot better, good news,” D’Antoni said. “It’s healing. We just have to wait and see. Can’t rule anything out, but don’t rule anything in.”
Westbrook had to miss a few games due to the injury, and losing him in the postseason is not ideal for the Rockets.
However, the Rockets at least have a deep backcourt, with bubble standouts Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore. They even got Eric Gordon back on Wednesday after a two-week absence due to sprained ankle, and former Most Valuable Player (MVP) James Harden.
Still, the Houston would obviously prefer to have their other former MVP at full strength in the postseason.
Since 2020, Westbrook, the nine-time NBA All-Star, has averaged 30.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game for the Rockets.
“He has been the primary beneficiary of Houston’s decision to abandon the center position entirely, as surrounding him with four shooters has covered his deficiencies in that arena quite well and opened up the lane for him as a driver, according to CBS Sports.
The Rockets will need Westbrook if they want to make a serious run at the championship.
For Houston, Harden may not be able to carry the entire ball-handling load for four consecutive rounds so they need Westbrook. Westbrook has been the most important player in the postseason, so hopefully, he is expected to return to full strength at least in the first round.
