Is Russell Westbrook playing today vs Thunder? Rockets release injury report for Game 4

‘Is Russell Westbrook playing today’ has been the question that every Rockets fan is wondering about. Here we look at his injury report for today’s game.

Westbrook has been injured since 4th of August, when he felt his quadricep stiffen up. He was then diagnosed with a quad injury and was sidelined indefinitely.

Russ’ arrival in Houston has been a boon for James Harden and co., as the duo have really gelled well offensively and are the dark horses for the NBA title this year.

The Rockets did not miss Westbrook in the first two games as they coasted to a 2-0 lead. James Harden led them to a victory in the first game and the Rockets followed it up with a complete team performance in the next game. However, OKC won game 3 to bring the series score to 2-1. The Rockets would love to have Westbrook back in the team but will have to wait for some more days to see it happening.

Is Russell Westbrook playing today vs Thunder?

Russell Westbrook will continue to sit on the sidelines after the star failed to recover in time for game 4 against the Thunder today. He is yet to recover from his quad injury and could sit out the entire 1st round.

The Rockets have a 2-1 lead but ended up losing game 3 after Chris Paul put in a clinical performance.

No changes to the Rockets injury report. Russell Westbrook, Luc Mbah a Moute are out. No one on the OKC report.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) August 23, 2020

The arrival of Russ last summer made the Rockets go ‘small’ as it facilitates the former MVP to drive to the rim at will. This strategy however, has cost them a little on the defensive end. But they are ready to give that up a little and focus on outscoring their opponents.

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If the Rockets end up losing tonight, they will hope that Westbrook is ready for a crucial game 5. Westbrook averages 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7 assists this season.

James Harden has shouldered a lot of offensive responsibility in the absence of Westbrook, but against a resurgent Thunder, Harden desperately needs an ally to share his offensive burden with.

Game 3 was all about Chris Paul and OKC, as they implemented their game-play to perfection. And from the looks of it, they seem to have found some chink in Rockets’ armour. Today’s game is extremely  pivotal in this series.