Report: Westbrook undergoes hand surgery, hopes to return before playoffs

Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook underwent surgery on his fractured left hand Monday with the hope that he will be able to return before the start of the playoffs, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The veteran guard suffered the injury during the first half of last Friday’s win over the Washington Wizards. He appeared to injure himself while trying to poke the ball away from Wizards guard Jordan Poole.

Bones Hyland saw an increase in playing time during the contest, which was his first game since January.

This is Westbrook’s first injury of the season. The 35-year-old is yet to miss a game and averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals this campaign.

The Clippers have the ninth-toughest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon, as they are slated to play the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves before the postseason starts.

L.A. takes on the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. The Clippers are 39-20 on the season and rank fourth in the Western Conference.

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