Clippers star Russell Westbrook is making a home for himself in the City of Angels, pairing with Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to help lead the 38-20 Clippers. But a hand injury could throw a wrench in his season.
The league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles is shining in a bench role, averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 22.6 minutes per game.
Westbrook holds pivotal piece in head coach Tyronn Lue’s lineup. But he could be set for a lengthy absence after breaking his hand Friday against the Wizards.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Russell Westbrook’s injury?
Westbook fractured his left hand in Los Angeles’ 140-115 win over Washington on Friday, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook has a fractured left hand, team says.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2024
The 35-year-old guard appeared to suffer the injury partway through the second quarter after getting tangled up with Wizards guard Jordan Poole. While attempting to poke the ball out of Poole’s grasp, Westbrook’s hand smashed into Poole on the hip.
Westbrook stayed in the game for another two minutes before heading into the locker room. He did not return, and Los Angeles announced after the victory that Westbrook’s injury was indeed a fractured left hand.
“Just feel bad for Russ right now,” Lue said. “So we don’t know what timetable, don’t know if he needs surgery or anything yet. But he’s out right now. So just trying to figure it out.”
Westbrook’s teammates offered a similar sentiment.
“[We’ll miss] his athleticism, his energy, his play-making ability, his leadership,” Harden said.
How long is Russell Westbrook out?
There’s no timetable for Westbrook’s return. If he were to undergo surgery, it’s likely he would miss at least a significant portion of the remaining 24 games of the Clippers’ regular season.
Westbrook’s absence poses a serious challenge for Lue, as the former MVP strung together sparkling displays off the bench for the Clippers, who sit in fourth place in the Western Conference.
With Westbrook’s status up in the air, expect to see Bones Hyland get some playing time in his stead. The former VCU standout and Nuggets first-round pick has played sparingly since joining Los Angeles via trade last February. Although he’s inconsistent, his potential for instant offense could help give Los Angeles a boost off the bench.
Clippers upcoming schedule 2023-24
Here’s a look at the upcoming games in the Clippers’ calendar over the next few weeks.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| March 3 | at Timberwolves | 3:30 p.m. |
| March 4 | at Bucks | 8:00 p.m. |
| March 6 | at Rockets | 7:30 p.m. |
| March 9 | vs. Bulls | 4:00 p.m. |
| March 10 | vs. Bucks | 3:00 p.m. |
Russell Westbrook 2023-24 season stats
- 11.1 points per game
- 5.1 rebounds per game
- 4.4 assists per game
- 1.1 steals per game
- 0.4 blocks per game
- 2.0 turnovers per game
- 45.2 percent field goal shooting
- 26.8 percent three point shooting
- 67.7 percent free throw shooting
