Russ Could Play Wednesday, KD Out At Least Another Week

By Randy Renner

Thunder All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook was not wearing a face mask toward the end of Tuesday's practice when reporters were allowed into the gym, but he was earlier in the session.

"I told him he looked pretty crazy," said backup point D.J. Augustin.

"His face is a little puffier," offered forward Mitch McGary, then chuckling added, "he looks like a little kid, kinda. It's pretty fun."

Both McGary and Augustin said Westbrook, "looks the same, didn't lose a step."

Kevin Durant was limited to some light shooting drills but apparently will not return any time this week.

"Kevin is progressing well but we will re-evaluate him in a week or so, but he's trending well, said Thunder head coach Scott Brooks. Durant is slowly adding to what he's able to do in practice and before games but the Thunder will proceed very cautiously with his possible return to action.

Westbrook seems ready to resume his spot and his assault on NBA record books Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers but Brooks wouldn't quite go that far.

"We'll see how he feels tomorrow but he looked good today," the coach said and added, "It's just being comfortable, he's definitely going to wear a mask and I'm sure you guys are anxious to see that."

Yes we are, especially if the man who has helped design a line a fashion frames for glasses has had a hand in designing the see-through mask he will wear. But Brooks quickly quashed any notion of that.

"Is it a clear mask? A cheetah print?" Brooks was asked. "Oh that's pretty good," he answered then continued, "fortunately for all of us he does not get to choose his own color of the mask, it's gonna be a clear mask."

Seems a bit disappointing, but at least look like he's ready to get back on the court.

Center Steven Adams is getting close too. He was working on contact drills under a basket with Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter when we came in. 

"Steven went through most of practice," Brooks said. "And at this point he's probably day-to-day and we'll see how he feels tomorrow."

Adams is still a bit uncomfortable shooting with his right hand so he's been working on taking shots with his left more and more.

"He can't shoot like he wants to right now," McGary said, "but he's looked great and is working with his left hand a lot which is important so hopefully he can come back ambidextrous."

Veteran forward Steve Novak is increasing his workload little by little also but he's still another week to 10 days out. Novak remember had his appendix removed shortly after arriving in Oklahoma City.

The Thunder will have shootaround Wednesday morning and a decision likely will be made then on Westbrook's playing status but unless some problem develops it looks like he'll be good to go against the Sixers.