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The injury bug bit the Rockets today as it was announced Russell Westbrook will be sidelined with a strained quad.
Russell Westbrook will also be out on Friday with a strained quadriceps muscle, team announces. Underwent an MRI today. Status uncertain for start of playoffs next week.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) August 12, 2020
According to sources, Westbrook underwent an MRI and the team will re-evaluate him before the playoffs, which begin Monday.
Westbrook is not in action today against the Pacers. He wouldn’t have been in action if healthy either, as the Rockets have not played him in back-to-backs this season.
Russ will not play in the Rockets’ bubble finale Friday against the 76ers either and could miss some early playoff games.
The severity of the injury is not clear yet, but the biggest fear of returning too soon is rupturing the quad, which infamously sidelined Victor Oladipo for a year.
With Westbrook out, expect expanded roles for James Harden, Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers.