The Clippers expect Russell Westbrook to return at some point next week after undergoing surgery to repair a broken left hand earlier this month.
Westbrook has been cleared to play and could return as early as Monday when the Clippers play the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena, said a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Clippers coach Ty Lue did not give a specific timetable for Westbrook’s return. The veteran goaltender hasn’t played since March 1.
“Russ is fine,” Lue said before the Clippers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 125-117 on Friday night. “He will play next week.”
If Westbrook doesn’t return on Monday, he could make his return on the road – the Clippers play at Philadelphia on Wednesday and at Orlando on March 29.
Westbrook, one of the NBA’s sixth-best men, averaged 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 58 games this season. The Clippers are 6-5 since his injury.
The Clippers (44-25) are 7-5 in March as they continue to navigate a 17-game slate this month. They’ve already played three straight sets this month, and they still have one more set to play before the end of March.
“It’s just something we have to overcome,” Lue said. “It’s a good test for us, mentally and physically. So we are up for the challenge and we are good.
The Clippers are healthier. Terance Mann returned to the lineup Friday after missing a game with a right shoulder injury.
With Westbrook expected to return, all the Clippers need to be whole is for Norman Powell to return from a lower leg contusion that has kept him out the last three games.
But with Paul George cooking and Kawhi Leonard and Mann productive, the Clippers struggled to beat the Trail Blazers.
George had 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting and four-of-eight on three-pointers, all in just three quarters.
Leonard had 22 points on nine-of-15 shooting and Mann had 20 points on seven-of-12 shooting.
The Clippers bench, however, struggled late in the game as Portland (19-51) went on a 29-11 run to close the game. Scoot Henderson finished with 24 points and 10 assists for the Trail Blazers.
