The proverbial worst-case scenario hit the Oklahoma City Thunder Saturday morning, with news that Russell Westbrook will miss the remainder of the postseason following surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The news comes hours before OKC’s tipoff against the Houston Rockets. Reggie Jackson will start in his place.
A legion of fans – Thunder and otherwise – are asking the same question: now what? When firing on all cylinders, Westbrook and Kevin Durant mask the fact that this team’s depth doesn’t compare to other teams out West. But minus Kevin Martin, their bench lacks NBA-caliber guards who can step in and carry such a huge load. Unless you put your faith in an aging Derrick Fisher, which you shouldn’t.
Kevin Durant will have his hands as full as they’ve ever been and what many thought would be a guaranteed Finals birth looks less than likely.
Previously — With Russell Westbrook Out With Torn Meniscus, This Year’s Playoffs Are Officially The Worst