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Clippers hopeful Russell Westbrook can return before playoffs after surgery to repair broken hand

Russell Westbrook underwent surgery on his broken left hand on Monday

Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook underwent surgery to repair his broken left hand Monday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

While it’s still unclear how long he’ll be sidelined, the team is apparently hopeful that Westbrook can be back in time for the Clippers’ playoff run.

Russell Westbrook broke his left hand in the Clippers' win over the Wizards on Friday night.
Russell Westbrook broke his left hand in the Clippers' win over the Wizards on Friday night. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Westbrook injured his left hand early in the second quarter of the Clippers’ 140-115 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. He was trying to poke the ball out of Wizards guard Jordan Poole’s hand while on defense, but he immediately reached for his left hand in pain after doing so.

He remained in the game briefly, and reached for his hand again in pain at the next stoppage of play. He was eventually subbed out of the game, and didn’t return.

Westbrook had six points and one assist in 10 minutes off the bench. The 35-year-old, who has been one of the better sixth men in the league, has averaged a career-low 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game this season.

Russell Westbrook headshot
Russell Westbrook
PG - DEN - #4
2023 - 2024 season
11.1
Pts
5
Reb
4.5
Ast
1.1
Stl
22:29
Min

The Clippers hold a 39-20 record headed into Monday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which has them in fourth in the Western Conference standings, just 2.5 games out of first place. Including Monday’s game, the Clippers have 23 games left in the regular season. If Westbrook can be back in time for the postseason, he would be an integral part in what could be a deep run for the Clippers.