Westbrook (rest) will not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Celtics in Abu Dhabi, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post reports.
After a solid all-around preseason debut with the Nuggets, Westbrook will take Sunday off. The All-Star's absence will likely allow coach Mike Malone to get a better look at Trey Alexander and Jalen Pickett. However, when the regular season begins, Westbrook is expected to be the next man up behind Jamal Murray at point guard.
... See More... See Less
Nuggets' Russell Westbrook: Solid in preseason debut
Rotowire
Westbrook delivered 12 points (3-10 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four rebounds and eight assists across 19 minutes off the bench in Friday's 107-103 preseason loss to the Celtics.
The shooting line wasn't good, but Westbrook racked up stats left and right while seeing a decent amount of minutes -- compared to the starters -- in the preseason opener. The veteran is expected to open the season as Jamal Murray's primary backup and main second-unit scoring threat, but don't be surprised if he sees decent run with the first unit as well, particularly when closing out games.
... See More... See Less
Nuggets' Russell Westbrook: Headed to Denver
Rotowire
The Nuggets signed Westbrook to a two-year, $6.8 million contract Friday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Westbrook was traded from the Clippers to the Jazz earlier this offseason. The veteran guard was then waived and has now joined the Nuggets after clearing waivers, as expected. In 2023-24, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 22.5 minutes across 68 regular-season appearances. In Denver, the 35-year-old point guard will likely earn the backup point guard role to Jamal Murray.
... See More... See Less
Russell Westbrook: Officially waived
Rotowire
The Jazz waived Westbrook on Saturday, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Westbrook was sent to Utah as part of a sign-and-trade that sent Kris Dunn to the Clippers. The expectation was that the Jazz would buy Westbrook's contract out, opening the door for the veteran point guard to sign with Denver after clearing waivers. Saturday's move will officially put Westbrook on waivers, and he should be expected to sign a contract with the Nuggets next week.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Russell Westbrook: Dealt to Utah, to sign with Denver
Rotowire
The Clippers are sending Westbrook, a second-round pick and cash to the Jazz in exchange for Kris Dunn in a sign-and-trade Thursday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports. Westbrook is expected to agree to a contract buyout with Utah, where he will ultimately land with Denver after clearing waivers.
The 35-year-old guard saw a reduced role in 2023-24, starting in just 11 of his 68 regular-season appearances and averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 22.2 minutes. With Westbrook seemingly content with a bench role and not demanding a high salary, he could be an ideal backup point guard for a contending team such as the Nuggets.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Staying in L.A.
Rotowire
Westbrook exercised his $4 million player option for the 2024-25 season Saturday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
The nine-time All-Star hasn't been a regular starter in the past two seasons, but he appears to have become comfortable in his role as a lead guard off the bench. Since he would have been unlikely to fetch much more than $4 million on the open market, Westbrook will stick around for a second full season with the Clippers, coming off a 2023-24 campaign in which he averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals across a career-low 22.5 minutes in 68 appearances. Westbrook's role could expand during the upcoming season if the Clippers aren't able to retain Paul George -- who is expected to decline his $48.79 million player option for 2024-25 and become an unrestricted free agent -- and don't replace him with another high-usage star.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Ejected in fourth quarter
Rotowire
Westbrook was ejected from Saturday's 101-90 Game 3 loss to the Mavericks with 6:10 to play in the fourth quarter. He finished with one point (0-7 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks in 19 minutes.
Westbrook let his frustrations get the best of him in this one. He was already carrying a technical foul when he proceeded to shove both Luka Doncic and P.J. Washington on the same play. Despite his outburst, a suspension is unlikely.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Out for regular-season finale
Rotowire
Westbrook will not play in Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Rockets for rest purposes, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.
No surprise here, as the Clippers are resting most of their starters ahead of the playoffs next weekend. Westbrook will finish regular-season action with averages of 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 triples across 22.5 minutes per game.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Good to go Friday
Rotowire
Westbrook (hand) will be available for Friday's game against the Jazz.
Westbrook sat out Wednesday's game against the Suns, but it was likely a precaution after he played 40 minutes the night before. Kawhi Leonard (knee) is the only regular rotation player on the injury report for Friday, and he'll remain sidelined.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Dealing with hand injury
Rotowire
Westbrook is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Suns due to a left hand contusion, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports.
With Kawhi Leonard (knee) and James Harden (foot) out, Westbrook moved into the starting lineup Tuesday and posted his first triple-double since Jan. 15, 2023 during a win over the Suns. Leonard, Harden and Paul George (knee) are all out Wednesday, while Ivica Zubac (ankle) joins Westbrook as questionable, so the Clippers are going to be extremely shorthanded for Wednesday's rematch versus Phoenix.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Shines in starting lineup
Rotowire
Westbrook ended Tuesday's 105-92 win over the Suns with 16 points (7-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt), 15 rebounds, 15 assists and two steals over 40 minutes.
Although the Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard (knee) and James Harden (foot), the team didn't skip a beat as Westbrook turned back the clock with a sublime triple-double. The last time Westbrook reached that milestone was Jan. 15, 2023. Westbrook's superb number is a great example of the Clippers' depth when the chips are down, and the wealth of veteran experience will certainly help come playoff time.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Set to start Tuesday
Rotowire
Westbrook is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Suns, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.
Westbrook will replace James Harden (foot) in the starting five Tuesday. Westbrook has averaged 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals in 30.7 minutes across his previous 10 starts this season.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Posts 14 points in return
Rotowire
Westbrook (hand) recorded 14 points (5-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-6 FT), seven assists and four rebounds across 18 minutes in Monday's 133-116 loss to the Pacers.
Westbrook missed the Clippers' previous 12 games due to a fractured left hand but was sharp in his return Monday, scoring at nearly a point-per-minute pace. The veteran point guard also tied for the team lead with seven dimes, despite playing under 20 minutes. Westbrook will continue to come off the bench as a second-unit spark plug now that he's health again, but he's uncertain to see a dramatic uptick in playing time when all of James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are available. For the season, Westbrook is averaging a career-low 22.6 minutes per contest.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Officially active Monday
Rotowire
Westbrook (hand) has been cleared for Monday's game against Indiana, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports. He will not face a minutes restriction.
Westbrook will take the court for the first time since March 1 after suffering a fractured hand. Coach Tyronn Lue expressed his excitement to have Westbrook's energy and "pop" back in the lineup, and Westbrook has been diligently maintaining his conditioning while sidelined, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Officially questionable
Rotowire
Westbrook (hand) is questionable for Monday's game against the Pacers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Westbrook is expected to make his return from a 12-game absence but likely won't be cleared until he goes through his pregame routine. If cleared, the dynamic point guard figures to play around 20 minutes off the bench. Since being moved to a reserve role in mid-November, Westbrook has averaged 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.0 steals in 20.9 minutes per game.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Nearing return
Rotowire
Westbrook (hand) is expected to return to game action next week, perhaps as soon as Monday's matchup versus the Pacers, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Westbrook had surgery to repair his fractured left hand three weeks ago and is already nearing a return, though he probably still has a few hurdles to clear in his recovery. Even if Westbrook suits up next week, he'll likely be limited off the bench, so his fantasy value remains stunted. On the season, Westbrook is averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 three-pointers in 22.6 minutes while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 67.7 percent from the free-throw line.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Suffers left hand fracture
Rotowire
Westbrook sustained a fractured left hand in Friday's game against the Wizards and won't return, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports. He contributed six points (1-3 FG), four rebounds and one steal in 10 minutes.
The Clippers likely won't release an official timeline for Westbrook's recovery until a determination is made whether or not he'll require surgery, but even if he avoids an operation, he's still likely to miss multiple weeks with the broken hand. His expected absence could open up a spot in the rotation for Bones Hyland on the second unit. Given the nature of the injury as well as his underwhelming numbers in recent weeks, Westbrook looks safe to drop in most season-long leagues.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Rough shooting night in loss
Rotowire
Westbrook posted eight points (3-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three assists, three steals and two rebounds in the Clippers' 116-112 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday.
Despite a poor night shooting, the 2016-17 MVP chipped in three steals to the defensive effort, a significant contribution compared to the 1.0 steals he has averaged coming off the bench. Westbrook played 17 minutes Wednesday, a decline from the 22.3 minutes he has been averaging in February. In Paul George's brief absence (knee), Terance Mann has averaged 26.8 minutes, with sixth-man Norman Powell averaging 26.6 minutes as well. With George expected to return to the lineup soon, expect Westbrook's playing time to decline as Mann and Powell continue to receive significant opportunities.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Reaches career milestone
Rotowire
Westbrook recorded 23 points (10-13 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, nine assists and two steals across 25 minutes during Friday's 136-125 win over the Pistons.
His final bucket of the night gave Westbrook 25,000 points for his career, making him the 25th player in NBA history to achieve that feat -- current teammate James Harden was the last to do it in December. Westbrook has begun to find a rhythm in his role as the floor general on the Clippers' second unit, and over the last 10 games he's averaging 14.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 boards, 1.0 steals and 0.9 threes in 22.5 minutes a contest while shooting 51.4 percent from the floor.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Hits for 20 off bench
Rotowire
Westbrook closed Friday's 127-107 win over the Raptors with 20 points (7-14 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 6-6 FT), five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals in 26 minutes off the bench.
James Harden has the Clippers' starting point guard role on lock, but Westbrook appears to have adapted to being on the second unit -- a reversal of the roles they had early in their careers with the Thunder. Westbrook has scored in double digits in six straight games, averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 boards, 5.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 threes in 23.7 minutes per contest while shooting 51.5 percent from the floor and 46.7 percent (7-for-15) from beyond the arc.
