Sources: Westbrook set to return

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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Barring any setbacks, Oklahoma Cityguard Russell Westbrook plans to return from facial surgery Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday.

Westbrook, who had surgery Saturday to repair a fracture to his right cheek, participated for most of Tuesday's practice with the team while wearing a clear protective mask -- which he'll also wear when he does return to action, coach Scott Brooks said.

"As we know Russell, I'm not so sure he can pull that off during fashion week. But if anyone can, he can," Brooks said of the mask. "I mean, we've all seen he has some unique style of clothing he wears. But he's going to be fine.

"He looked good today and it's just how he feels tomorrow. I don't want to jump the gun and say he's going to for sure play, but he feels good today and we'll see how he feels tomorrow."

He suffered the injury last Friday night against Portland after teammate Andre Robersoninadvertently crashed his knee into Westbrook's face, leaving an imprint on his right cheek.

The surgery was to repair the zygomatic arch bone, which separates the eye socket from the sinuses.

The 26-year-old Westbrook is averaging 26.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 45 games this season. He missed 14 games in November because of a fracture in his right hand.

He had his third consecutive triple-double against the Blazers, scoring 40 points with 13 rebounds and 11 assists. He had a historic February, averaging 31.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and 10.3 assists, numbers that only ever have been totaled by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson.

Kevin Durant, meanwhile, is "progressing well" after having a minor procedure to help reduce pain and discomfort in his surgically repaired right foot. He did some light shooting with the team Tuesday and will be re-evaluated in a "week or so."

"He's definitely trending in the direction we all like to eventually get on the court," Brooks said. "He's doing some very light shooting. He's done some treadmill work. But like I said, we will re-evaluate him in a week or so."

Westbrook's expected return was earlier reported by Yahoo!.

Royce Young of ESPN.com contributed to this report.

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