Hand injury likely to sideline Clippers star

The Los Angeles Clippers finally looked like they could be the contender they were supposed to be with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Surprisingly, the quartet of Leonard, George, James Harden and Russell Westbrook has actually worked this season.

Unfortunately, this lineup took a big hit Friday night.

Russell Westbrook left the game against the Wizards in the second quarter with a hand injury. The team later confirmed that he suffered a broken left hand.

In a game as dependent on the hands as basketball, a broken hand is never good news.

No official source has given any indication of the expected length of Westbrook’s absence, but it will likely be a long period. A similar injury in 2014 led to a month’s absence.

Raptors star Scottie Barnes suffered a broken middle finger on his left hand earlier Friday night and was described by his team as out “indefinitely.” It’s hard to imagine Westbrook avoiding that same label.

The timing of this injury would never have been ideal, but it’s certainly not welcome with a road trip starting Sunday against the Timberwolves and a Monday matchup with the Bucks. LA was already going through a rough patch, losing five of its last eight games. Paul George was out for part of that stretch, but he returned Friday and helped the Clippers dominate Washington for much of the outing.

Westbrook has played every game so far for the Clippers. This will be the first time Ty Lue will have to build the lineup without the guard available, whether as a starter or off the bench. He joined the bench to help accommodate the team’s other stars and thrived in that role. LA will be looking for someone else to step in for the next phase of the season.