Thunder guard Westbrook needs knee surgery

Washington, April 27 (IANS)

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 24: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder is looked at by a trainer after a leg injury during Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 24, 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City Thunder announced that they will miss their regular starting guard Russell Westbrook in the remaining NBA (National Basketball Association) playoffs as the five-year veteran needs a knee surgery.

Westbrook, who was injured in Game 2 of the Thunder’s first round series against the Houston Rockets Wednesday, will repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to the Western Conference top seeds, reports Xinhua.

The returning date of Westbrook has not yet set.

“Our players’ health is our first and foremost concern,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said Friday. “The Thunder’s medical team and several specialists we consulted were determined that Russell undergo a procedure to address the issue.”

Westbrook, who has never missed a game in his professional career, averaged 24.0 points, 7.0 assists and 6.5 rebounds in the first two playoff games this season while the Thunder lead 2-0 over Houston.