Russell Westbrook returns from quad injury to face Spurs originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Wizards are back in action on Sunday night after nearly two weeks off and they have Russell Westbrook ready to return with them.
Westbrook has been dealing with a sore quadriceps muscle, which was first revealed two weeks ago despite the fact it first happened in training camp. Due to the Wizards' time off, which was caused by a coronavirus outbreak on their roster, he only missed two games. Technically, he only missed one after the quad injury was announced.
Westbrook rested his leg for a week before being re-evaluated. He was then cleared to practice early this past week and slowly worked his way into shape.
The Wizards meanwhile, had six players enter the league's health and safety protocol due to positive coronavirus tests, plus center Thomas Bryant lost for the season with an ACL injury. They needed Westbrook to heal up and he did at the perfect time.
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"Every day he's been making progress, you just never know until the next morning how you feel," head coach Scott Brooks said. "He felt great. We wouldn't put him out there until he felt great."
Brooks said Westbrook will be on a minutes restriction to start, likely in the mid-20s rather than 37.1 he's averaging so far this season. Back-up point guards Ish Smith (protocol) and Raul Neto (groin) are also out, meaning rookie Cassius Winston will have to contribute behind Westbrook. The Wizards can also play shooting guard Bradley Beal there, as he has the skillset as a playmaker.
Westbrook will still need some time to be ready for his full workload, but just having him back is a positive sign for the Wizards who are hoping to turn their season around following a 3-8 start.
"It's good having him. He's a big-time player," Brooks said.
Watch the Wizards take on the San Antonio Spurs tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
