LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 04: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets reacts after being fouled during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets point guard Russell Westbrook is a game-time decision for a crucial Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Rockets point guard Russell Westbrook is a game-time decision for Game 5 against his former team, planning to test his quad in pregame warmups before making a final decision, per Adrian Wojnarowski.
Westbrook has been sidelined for the entire series to this point but could prove to be a difference-maker as the Rockets look to put the Thunder on the brink of elimination. While the explosive point guard remains beloved in Oklahoma City, he would almost definitely relish the chance to eliminate his former squad.
Westbrook is a game-time decision for the Rockets as they look to take the series lead vs. the Thunder in Game 5
While no decision has been made yet, Westbrook could be the key to stealing back momentum in the series. Houston has dropped its last two games after taking a 2-0 series lead, and Game 5 will swing the series heavily in favor of the winner.
As Mark Medina of USA Today has pointed out, the Rockets have missed Westbrook badly, with James Harden struggling to carry the load on his own. Getting the former MVP back at point guard will likely give Houston the scoring jolt it needs to take back control of the series.
The nine-time All-Star has averaged just over 27 points per game in addition to seven assists, with a change of scenery serving him well in 2020. The series already had plenty of storylines after the offseason Westbrook-Chris Paul trade, but the 31-year-old’s Game 5 return would make it even more compelling.
The perennial All-Star has a chance to make his former team regret trading him, while also setting up a potential date with the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. Game 5 was already a must-see matchup, but Westbrook’s early return would have NBA fans even more hyped.
The Thunder and Rockets are slated to play at 6:30 p.m. ET, with Westbrook’s status announced shortly before that.
