The Oklahoma City Thunder came into Thursday’s game with nine active players and were already missing reigning MVP Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, the Thunder lost their other superstar Russell Westbrook during Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Westbrook hurt his hand during the 6:35 mark of the second quarter. He apparently jammed it on the back of his own teammate, Kendrick Perkins. Westbrook left the game and did not return. He sat on the bench with an ice pack on his hand.
After the game, Thunder coach Scott Brooks confirmed that the three-time All-Star fractured his hand and is out indefinitely.
The Thunder are now seven players short as Westbrook joins Kevin Durant, Reggie Jackson, Mitch McGary, Anthony Morrow, Jeremy Lamb, and Grant Jerrett on the injured list.
Due to all the injuries, the Thunder will apply for a “hardship exception” after Saturday’s game. The hardship exception will allow the Thunder to sign a 16th player. Teams can qualify for this exception if they have four players expected to miss two-plus weeks to injury. With the opportunity to sign an extra player, the Thunder may go with Will Bynum or Ish Smith.
Either way, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in big trouble having both their superstars out. They are likely to be on the bottom of the standings and will find it tough to compete in a superior Western Conference with the limited talent they now have.
Russell Westbrook will be re-evaluated on Friday to determine a timetable for his return.