By Randy Renner

Russell Westbrook will play his first game for the Thunder since being injured October 30th against the Clippers.

He will wear a combination brace/wrap on his right (shooting) hand tonight and he warmed up before tonight's game wearing it.

Westbrook said earlier today at shootaround he'd rather not wear the wrap but, "I've got used to it," during the last week or so at practice.

Westbrook will not be on any minutes restriction tonight because he's been able to keep up his conditioning work.

Thunder coach Scott Brooks is thrilled to have his star point guard back in the lineup.

"He's a dynamic player with intensity on both ends of the floor. We're all excited to have him back."

Asked who benefits most by Westbrook's return Brooks didn't miss a beat and cracked, "me."

Down the hall from Brooks' meeting with the media, former Thunder guard Derek Fisher held court in his first trip back to Chesapeake Energy Arena as an opposing coach. when asked abiut coming back to OKC he joked, "well it's still windy," then more seriously said, "the people have been very gracious, as always."

Fisher's Knicks will be without their star tonight.

Carmelo Anthony has been having back spasms and though he felt better this evening than in the last few days he will not play tonight.

As always, InsideThunder.com has a full crew at the arena tonight so click back after the game for a complete video wrapup including comments from Brooks and players in the lockerroom.

Russ Is Back For Thunder, 'Melo Out For Knicks