zach bacharContributor IMarch 22, 2024
Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times through Getty Images
Los Angeles Clippers point player Russell Westbrook is anticipated to go back to the group’s lineup next week, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski kept in mind that Westbrook might return as early as Monday when the Clippers take on versus the Indiana Pacers. The 35-year-old suffered a fractured hand that needed surgical treatment on March 1 and has actually not appeared in a video game because.
Prior to the injury, Westbrook appeared in each of the very first 58 video games throughout the Clippers’ 2023-24 season.
Westbrook at first ran in the beginning lineup to start the season, he was ultimately moved to the bench as head coach Tyronn Lue looked to stagger the minutes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden and Westbrook.
The nine-time All-Star prospered as a reserve, balancing 10.4 points in simply 21.0 minutes per video game after the rotation modification. He likewise tape-recorded 4.7 rebounds and 4.1 helps per video game, shooting 44.8 percent from the field.
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The Clippers have actually stagnated without Westbrook, owning a record of simply 5-5 in the 10 video games considering that his last look. This consists of 2 wins in their previous 6 contests.
Prior to Westbrook’s injury, Los Angeles ranked No. 10 amongst all groups in bench scoring with 36.6 overall points per video game along with a field-goal portion of 47.7 percent amongst reserves (by means of NBA.com). Considering that he’s been not available, the Clippers have actually dropped to No. 16 in bench scoring by balancing 31.6 points per contest while shooting 42.9 percent from the field.
Sitting at 43-25, the group still appears poised to make the playoffs for the 5th time in the previous 6 seasons. Permitting Westbrook to return and get rid of any rust before the postseason starts would supply a significant increase to the Clippers as they aim to avenge last season’s first-round exit.
