Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook has been ruled out for Game 3 of the playoffs series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to The Rockets Wire.
A new MRI shows improvement, head coach Mike D’Antoni said, and Westbrook was back on the court Friday for running and shooting drills, but without contact drills.
D’Antoni may be acting extra patient as the Rockets hold a two-game lead over the Thunder.
“I mean if you’re down 0-2, that puts you in a different position than 2-0,” he said to The Rockets Wire.
Houston ran away to and easy Game One win. In the second game, the Thunder led after three quarters, but the Rockets were able to grab the lead in the fourth quarter and win.
It’s unclear when Westbrook will return, but he may not miss more than just one more game — Shams’ Charania said Monday that there was hope within the Rockets organization that Westbrook would be ready by this weekend — he’s not, but that positive attitude shows it may be sooner than later.
Oklahoma City must take advantage on Saturday if they are to make it a series.
With that said, even if the Thunder do win Game Three, it’s no guarantee that Westbrook will return.
D’Antoni said he’ll still be cautious with Westbrook no matter what.
Even if a 2-1 lead is not as safe as a 2-0 lead.
“We’re going to be careful with Russ, he’s too valuable to throw out there no matter what the situation is,” D’Antoni said. “He’s going to be well, and we can’t wait to get him back. We’re gonna be careful with it.”
