Russell Westbrook Set to Return to Thunder Lineup vs. Knicks

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook is set to make his return to the team's lineup Friday night against the New York Knicks. He missed nearly a month of action due to a fractured metacarpal in his right hand suffered during the second game of the season.

Royce Young of ESPN.com passed along the confirmation from head coach Scott Brooks:

Young also shared Westbrook's thoughts on wearing a brace on the injured hand:

Westbrook scored 38 points in Oklahoma City's season opener but was injured early the next night against the Los Angeles Clippers. He's now ready to roll, and fellow superstar Kevin Durant shouldn't be far behind, meaning the Thunder may be on the brink of making a run up the Western Conference standings after a slow start.

Bleacher Report NBA Senior Writer Howard Beck discussed what lies ahead for OKC upon Westbrook's return:

Westbrook won't be on a minutes restriction, according to a report from NewsOK.com. Reggie Jackson, who led the team in playing time in Westbrook's absence, will move back to the bench against the Knicks, Brooks told reporters.