Houston Rockets Coach Gives a Much Needed Update on Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook seems to be on course to make it to the Orlando bubble in spite of getting infected with COVID-19. The Houston Rockets star announced his infection with the virus last week.

Talking to the reporters recently, Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said Westbrook was in good shape and he could soon be ready to play.

“Our medical staff, they’ll determine when Russell’s ready to go and when he’s ready to play 20 min, 30 min or whatever. They will monitor his time. I do hear he’s in pretty good shape & has been ramping up. Hopefully, it’s fairly seamless with some precaution obviously,” he said as per a video obtained from Instagram.

The Rockets have three scrimmage games before the season’s restart. The scrimmage games start on July 24 against Toronto Raptors. They later play Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics. The Rockets will resume the season on July 31 with a game against Dallas Mavericks. They later play Eastern Conference leaders Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers before playing Los Angeles Lakers. Their remaining seeding fixtures include games against Sacramento Games, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers. Prior to the league’s suspension, the Rockets were sixth in a tight Western Conference with 40 wins in 64 games.

Russell Westbrook will be key for Houston Rockets

As the Rockets resume their season, they will be looking for a deep postseason run. The Rockets have been consistently making it to the playoffs in the last few years but haven’t been able to fully challenge for the championship.

With Westbrook joining James Harden this season, the Rockets will be hoping for an improved playoff record. Westbrook has had a good first season with the Rockets averaging 27.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. The two guards will be important for the Rockets’ small ball lineup.