Russell Westbrook Injury Update: Thunder Star to Return to Lineup vs. 76ers

Adam Wells @adamwells1985

Featured ColumnistMarch 4, 2015

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 27: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 27, 2015 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook, who missed Sunday's game after undergoing surgery to repair a fracture in his face, will be back in the lineup Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Per Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman, Westbrook made it known early on Wednesday that he would return:

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Russell Westbrook says he will play tonight.

Westbrook was injured during the Thunder's 115-112 overtime loss against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 27 when teammate Andre Roberson accidentally kneed him in the side of the head while chasing after a loose ball.

ESPN's Royce Young reported the next day that Westbrook underwent a procedure to address a fracture on the side of his head.

Before missing Oklahoma City's last game, Westbrook had been playing better than any player in the league, as this stat from SportsCenter shows:

SportsCenter @SportsCenter
Russell Westbrook in last 3 games: • Feb. 24: 20 Pts, 10 Ast, 11 Reb • Feb. 26: 39 Pts, 11 Ast, 14 Reb • Feb. 28: 40 Pts, 11 Ast, 13 Reb

Getting Westbrook back in the lineup against a weak 76ers team will let him regain his bearings after the brief absence. His presence is crucial with Kevin Durant still nursing a foot injury.

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The Thunder have been able to build a small cushion in the race for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, currently holding a one-game advantage over the New Orleans Pelicans and winning eight of their last 10 games. Westbrook's return will boost a team that has just over one month to hit its stride if it wants to compete for a championship.