Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook is in his 17th NBA season, and has been an important piece for his new team. Traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz during the offseason, Westbrook was bought out by Utah before signing in Denver. In his first season with the Nuggets, Westbrook is averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. Additionally, his partnership with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has been a strong one. A hamstring injury has kept the 2017 League MVP on the sidelines recently. Westbrook, 36, has missed the Nuggets’ previous seven games after appearing in the first 48 games without injury.
While this has been a rare absence for the durable Westbrook, he could be back in action sooner rather than later, according to head coach Michael Malone. Speaking with reporters, Malone believes his veteran guard should be ready to go after the All-Star break (via Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette).
Should Westbrook be available to play right after the break, he will suit up against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Feb. 22 at Ball Arena. The Nuggets host the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 20 in their first game post-break, and welcome the Lakers to town two days later.
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