The latest Thunder news is not good — Russell Westbrook has broken his hand and could miss 4-6 weeks
For a team that already lost their MVP (Kevin Durant), next best shooter (Anthony Morrow) and backup guard (Reggie Jackson) to injuries, the Oklahoma City Thunder have to wonder what they did to deserve losing Russell Westbrook to a broken hand.
Darnell Mayberry of NewsOK reports that the “early indication is that Russell Westbrook could miss four to six weeks after fracturing the second metacarpal in his right hand.”
The Thunder were already crippled, but having Westbrook meant they could still somewhat stay afloat in the uber-competitive Western Conference. Without Westbrook, the Thunder’s best player is Serge Ibaka. With all due respect, this team suddenly looks like an expansion franchise rather than a NBA Finals contender.
A conservative estimate would have Westbrook missing up to 20 games. Without Durant and Westbrook, the Thunder would be beyond ecstatic to put together a 5-15 record during that stretch. Considering that it took 49 wins to make the Western Conference playoffs last season, some simple math shows us they’ll need to go 44-18 the rest of the way. Is it possible? Absolutely — if they’ve got both Durant and Westbrook healthy.
While this is a crushing blow for the Thunder, it’s going to provide opportunity for other teams. A team like the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies or even the New Orleans Pelicans are going to have an easier road to making the playoffs. The Portland Trail Blazers might not have to burn out their starters in an effort to securing the division title.
The effects are definitely far-reaching and if you’re a fan of basketball, you know how much this hurts the league. Still, the Thunder will move on without their stars for now, and will hope that they are 100 percent healthy and ready to make a playoff run when they get back.