SAN FRANCISCO — Russell Westbrook is out for the season opener, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan confirmed Tuesday.
Westbrook underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Sept. 12 and had a timetable to be re-evaluated in four weeks. He is said to be “progressing” and closing in on a return, but he has not been cleared for full practice yet. Donovan said Westbrook is still taking part in “controlled contact” portions of practice.
The Thunder have two days off following Tuesday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors and are scheduled to practice both days before playing the Clippers on Friday.
Thunder center Steven Adams is questionable with back stiffness, and a determination on his availability will be made closer to tipoff. Adams began to experience tightness on Sunday and has been limited since.
Without Westbrook, Dennis Schroder is expected to start at point guard.