Westbrook to miss preseason opener vs. Rockets with knee issue
Russell Westbrook will not suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder's preseason opener.
The team announced the reigning league MVP will be sidelined for Tuesday's tilt against the Houston Rockets as he nurses a minor knee injury. The All-NBA point guard recently received a PRP injection in his left knee, though he was able to participate in contact drills during Monday's practice.
Westbrook's coming off a historic season in which he put up a league-leading 31.6 points to go along with 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
He's not the only one recovering from a left knee knock, as Patrick Patterson and Alex Abrines will be held out of the contest for the same reason. Patterson underwent knee surgery over the offseason after signing with the Thunder in free agency. Abrines suffered a knee sprain in April and dealt with knee pain during EuroBasket, which cut short his run with Spain.
Meanwhile, star offseason additions Carmelo Anthony and Paul George will make their debuts with the Thunder at BOK Center in Tulsa, where they'll host the team that eliminated them in the opening round of the playoffs last season.