NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards smiles during warmups before the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

Westbrook unlikely to play in both games of back-to-back sets

Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook is unlikely to play in both games of the team's back-to-back sets this upcoming season, head coach Scott Brooks told reporters Sunday, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.

"This is going to be a grind. He's not a youngster anymore even though he still has as much energy as anybody as I've seen," Brooks said.

The Houston Rockets handled the All-Star guard in a similar manner during the 2019-20 campaign.

Westbrook has been fairly durable during the last several seasons. However, he's undergone multiple surgeries on his right knee.

The 32-year-old averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 boards, and seven assists across 57 appearances for the Rockets last season. He also earned his second straight All-NBA third-team selection.

Washington acquired Westbrook from Houston for longtime Wizards guard John Wall and a future first-round pick.

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