Is Russell Westbrook playing today vs Thunder? Rockets’ injury report for Game 5 gives fans hope

‘Is Russell Westbrook playing today’ has been on the lips of every Rockets fan, as the team is struggling having lost the last 2 games in the series.

Russell Westbrook has been injured all through the ongoing Thunder-Rockets series, and while sitting pretty with a 2-0 lead Westbrook’s return wasn’t a pressing issue. However, with the series tied at 2-2, the Rockets desperately need Westbrook to return.

Westbrook’s absence has put a lot of ball-handling load on superstar James Harden and he was looked unhappy in the last two games.

Is Russell Westbrook playing today vs Thunder?

Rockets fans all over will breathe a sigh of relief, as Russell Westbrook has been upgraded from ‘Out’ to ‘questionable’ game 5 vs Thunder. However, even if he does get to play, it is most likely that he would be under a minutes restriction.

Also Read: Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams get involved in trash talk during Game 4

Westbrook has been battling with a quadriceps injury, one that has refused to heal all through the ongoing Thunder-Rockets series.

The Rockets’ medical staff is doing all they can to get Russ back on court and it seems like they have him almost ready to take the court tonight

Coach Mike D’Antoni stated the guard is close to a return but the former Thunder star will be under a lot of pressure if he is to return in game 5 with the series tied at 2-2/

Westbrook’s arrival has forced the Rockets to use a small ball strategy, but without him, that strategy goes down the drain. Hence, if Russ does return tonight, the Rockets will look like a completely different outfit.

In the absence of a big man, the Rockets have really struggled getting offensive boards and if their shooters have an off night, things really go south for them.

But that is the trade off when you pack your side with 3 point shooters and the Rockets will have to live and die by that strategy.