Friday was a bad day for injuries in the NBA, highlighted by Russell Westbrook suffering a second setback to his right knee. The Oklahoma City Thunder officially announced that their star point guard will be out until after the All-Star break, but would not comment further than that on a potential timetable.
NBA injury roundup: Russell Westbrook suffers knee setback, Al Horford tears pectoral muscle
More marquee players are missing time with serious injuries. The latest players to catch the injury bug are Al Horford and Russell Westbrook.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Worse, the team did not announce what the setback was specifically and revealed that it discovered an issue in his knee that did not exist previously.
Westbrook will be out a minimum of 27 games after undergoing his third knee procedure in less than nine months, a huge blow to the Thunder’s season. Oklahoma City currently has the second-best record in the Western Conference. Reggie Jackson is expected to start in Westbrook’s place, something the team was preparing for when he underwent his first arthroscopic surgery in October.
Al Horford out indefinitely
NBA injuries
NBA injuries
The Atlanta Hawks announced a major loss as well on Friday evening. Al Horford is out indefinitely after tearing his right pectoral muscle during the Hawks' double-overtime victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday. Horford suffered the injury during the first overtime.
This is the second time Horford has torn a pectoral, tearing his left pectoral muscle during the 2011-2012 lockout-shortened season. Horford missed all but 11 games that year with the injury.
The Hawks did not place a timetable on his return, though if his previous run-in with a pectoral muscle tear is any indication, this could be close to a season-ending situation for Horford.
Other injuries around the league
Pau Gasol did not travel with the Los Angeles Lakers to Utah to face the Jazz. He continues battling an upper respiratory infection, a lingering issue for him since preseason. The Lakers have not detailed how long Gasol will be out and he appears to be on a game-by-game basis.
Carmelo Anthony was ruled out of the New York Knicks' game against the Toronto Raptors. He sprained his ankle Monday against the Orlando Magic and has not played since.
Eric Gordon is out for the New Orleans Pelicans Friday with a hip contusion. Gordon took a big fall Monday and was considered a game-time decision against the Denver Nuggets.
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