Will Russell Westbrook play vs Lakers? Rockets star suffers setback before Western conference showdown

‘Will Russell Westbrook play vs Lakers?’ has been trending ever since news broke in about the Rockets star being questionable for the game vs Lakers on Friday.

Houston Rockets superstar Russell Westbrook showed up on the injury list today after their loss to Portland Trail Blazers yesterday. Although the injury isn’t major, the Rockets will still expect him to fully recover with the playoffs nearby.

James Harden and co. sit at 42-25 for the season and are the fifth seed in the Western Conference. By virtue of Utah’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, the Rockets are a half game behind the Jazz for a top-four spot.

It is also just a half game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the fifth seed.

The Rockets need a solid end to the seeding games in order to ensure that they have the best possible chance of going deep into the playoffs.

Also Read: NBA play in tournament: What is the NBA Play in event in Orlando Bubble?

Will Russell Westbrook play vs Lakers

According to the Houston Rockets injury report, Russell Westbrook is questionable to play vs Lakers. The former MVP winner suffered a bruised right quad against the Blazers.

Westbrook has been an instrumental figure in the Rockets set-up and has shared the offensive responsibilities with James Harden. The Rockets decision to go ultra-small has made them interesting to watch. With the lack of center, the former Thunder star has been able to drive to the rim at will.

Rockets guard Russell Westbrook is listed as questionable to play against the Lakers with a bruised right quad.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) August 5, 2020

While a bruised quad isn’t a very serious injury, the Rockets would want to properly assess him with more than 24 hours left for the game. If he is able to recover, expect his minutes to be a little restricted, so as to prevent any aggravation of the injury.

Without Westbrook, the Rockets will find it a little difficult to overcome the Lakers. The Los Angeles team has been a little hot and cold in the Bubble until now, but that could also be down to the fact that they have clinched the top spot in the West.