Russell Westbrook Injury: Updates on Thunder Star's Face and Return

In the Thunder's 115-112 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, Westbrook took a knee to the face from Andre Roberson as he was getting up off the ground. The injury was later ruled a fracture to Westbrook's zygomatic arch. He had a procedure to the affected area and had been held out of action since the injury occurred. He will return on Wednesday.

Continue for updates. 

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Westbrook to Return Wednesday

Wednesday, March 4

Westbrook confirmed that he will return to the Thunder lineup after suffering a face injury vs. Portland, via Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman.

The Thunder's Instagram account posted a video of Westbrook practicing in his new mask: 

On March 3, Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Westbrook "will likely return Wednesday" when the Thunder face off against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Wojnarowski added, "There is still a final determination to be made, but Westbrook is expected to play barring an unforeseen setback, league sources told Yahoo Sports."

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Westbrook Undergoes Procedure to Repair Fracture

Saturday, Feb. 28

Royce Young of ESPN reported Westbrook underwent a procedure on his fractured zygomatic arch, and the point guard will miss Oklahoma City's game Sunday night at the Los Angeles Lakers:

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported Westbrook isn't expected to be out long:

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Westbrook Injured After Being Kneed in Face

Friday, Feb. 27 

Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook, who missed 14 games at the beginning of the year with a broken hand, hasn't been able to completely shake the injury bug.

In the last seconds of Friday night's 115-112 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Westbrook took an accidental knee to the face from teammate Andre Roberson while trying to get up off the floor.

The Cauldron provided a photo of an apparent dent in Westbrook's face following the collision:

Ben Golliver of SI.com shared comments from Thunder coach Scott Brooks:

Westbrook posted 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in the contest for his third straight triple-double, so it's disappointing to see his brilliant performance end with a loss and a potential injury. 

The Thunder had their backs up against the wall to start the 2014-15 season. Kevin Durant got hurt in the middle of October, and then Westbrook went down in the second quarter of Oklahoma City's second game against the Los Angeles Clippers. 

After missing four weeks, Westbrook returned to the lineup on November 28 against New York, at which time the Thunder had a record of 4-12. Oklahoma City has since righted the course and are currently hanging onto the No. 8 seed in the brutally competitive Western Conference.

Now, with Durant battling soreness in his surgically-repaired foot and a playoff spot on the line, the Thunder can't afford to have Westbrook out for any amount of time.

While they remain a dangerous team capable of beating anyone when they are healthy, the Thunder must ensure their stars can play down the stretch.