Russell Westbrook will be missing in action for the Rockets when they tip off their first round series against the Thunder on Tuesday, and the Thunder won’t be at full strength, either.
On Tuesday morning, in an announcement that didn’t necessarily come as a shock to anyone who follows the team, starting guard Lu Dort was officially ruled out by the Thunder.
The news comes courtesy of The Oklahoman’s Joe Mussatto, who also mentioned that head coach Billy Donovan will be leaning on the trio of Hamidou Diallo, Terrance Ferguson and Dennis Schroder to help slow Harden Down.
Diallo and Ferguson are considered the most likely options to start in place of Dort, who emerged as the starter following a string of standout performances in January.
As mentioned, the Rockets will be without Russell Westbrook for at least Game 1. There was a report on Monday that the Rockets are cautiously optimistic that Westbrook could be able to return to action for Game 3, which will be contested on Saturday.
Game 1 will tip off at 5:30 p.m. CT.
