Russell Westbrook to potentially miss first few games of playoffs with quad injury

Photo courtesy of Chris Nicholl/USA Today Sports

Rocket's guard and former MVP Russell Westbrook will reportedly be sidelined for the team's opening playoff games against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury, according to an insider with knowledge of the situation.

The injury stems from a right quad strain he suffered in his last game against the San Antonio Spurs. Westbrook played the whole game, but reported feeling soreness in his leg the morning after. He was already ruled out for the final seeding game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

"We don't know for sure," coach Mike D'Antoni said when asked about Westbrook. "He'll be reevaluated this weekend. He will miss tomorrow, that's for sure, probably a couple practices."

"We'll try to get him as close to 100% as possible. We'll know more [when] how he responds to treatment and also MRIs going forward."

Westbrook was an all-star this season, his ninth time receiving the distinction. He was averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game on the season. His absence hurts a Rockets team looking to make a deep push into the postseason.

Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers figure to get more minutes in Westbrook's absence. The N.B.A. playoffs begin on August 15th.