Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook suffered a fractured left hand during a game against the Washington Wizards. He underwent surgery and hopes to return before the playoffs. The injury occurred while trying to poke the ball loose from Wizards guard Jordan Poole.
Westbrook has been a key player off the bench for the Clippers this season, offering pace and unpredictability. The team will struggle to replace his role if he misses extended time, as they lack depth in ball-handlers outside of their 'Big Three'. Head coach Tyronn Lue may turn to Bones Hyland to fill Westbrook's minutes.