Is Russell Westbrook playing today vs Thunder? Rockets release ‘minutes restriction’ details for Game 5

Russell Westbrook will be playing tonight on a minutes restriction, as reported by Houston Chronicle beat writer, Jonathan Fiegen.

Houston Rocket guard, Russell Westbrook has been out of action for about half a month now due to an injured quadricep, missing the first 4 games of the 1st round matchup against the Chris Paul led, Oklahoma City Thunder.

Rockets fans had a sigh of relief when ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported last night that Russell Westbrook will be available for Game 5 set to take place today.

Is Russell Westbrook playing today vs Thunder?

Just under an hour ago, beat writer for the Houston Rockets and the Houston Chronicle’s, Jonathon Fiegen tweeted out that the 2x All Star Game MVP will be playing tonight but they will not be heavy minutes.

✅⏱ Mike D’Antoni on Russell Westbrook: “He’ll go through practice today, and if things are normal, we expect him to be ready to go.”

*He will have a minutes restriction, but specifics have yet to be discussed.#nbaitalia https://t.co/7W0oMD2STS

— fedebitchassperu (@fedemaxiperu) August 29, 2020

Russell Westbrook will be on a minutes restriction in today’s game against OKC. However, the exact number hasn’t been revealed yet.

Mike D’Antoni’s offensive schemes for Westbrook are playing out quite efficiently

Westbrook plays well with PJ tucker as he drives hard to the rim, drawing the big’s attention away from Tucker, resulting in Tucker being able to slip to either corner beyond the arc to drain the 3.

Also Read: Russell Westbrook looking very explosive in practice ahead of Game 5 vs Thunder

Bench boss, Mike D’Antoni made it very clear to Westbrook that he should limit his usual off-the-dribble pull up mid range jumper he is accustomed to taking. Westbrook is the only player on the starting lineup who is told to not shoot a high volume of 3s as he is a below average 3 point shooter.

Will Russell Westbrook’s return help Rockets take a 3-2 lead?

The explosive point guard has been playing exceptionally well alongside superstar shooting guard, James Harden.The 2 have a great off-the-court relationship, which is resulting in excellent on-the-court chemistry.

With Golden State Warriors stars, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson both not playing any minutes together in the 2019-20 season, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are labelled best backcourt in the league.

Only time will tell if this is true.