Masked Man: Russell Westbrook Will Return On Wednesday Following Surgery For Cheek Fracture

Russell Westbrook’s maniacal on-court antics will be even more fun to watch going forward. Upon his return to the lineup Wednesday following surgery to repair a cheek fracture over the weekend, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar will wear a protective mask.

Here’s Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

After missing one game because of a facial surgery, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook will likely return Wednesday night against Philadelphia – wearing a protective mask, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

There is still a final determination to be made, but Westbrook is expected to play barring an unforeseen setback, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Westbrook originally suffered the injury during his team’s close loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. After falling to the ground while following his own free throw attempt, the MVP candidate took a hard knee to the head from teammate Andre Roberson.

He underwent a minor procedure to repair a fracture of his zygomatic arch the next day, and missed his team’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers 24 hours later.

Unfortunately, coach Scott Brooks says that Westbrook’s mask will be clear.

If there was ever a player who would openly flaunt the league’s silly rules regarding aesthetics of face protectors, it would definitely be the Campaign Creative Director of True Religion, right?

Westbrook and the Thunder face the Philadelphia 76ers from Chesapeake Energy Arena tomorrow at 8:00 EST. Here’s hoping Russ dons a mask similar to submissions offered by Rolling Stone’s Steve McPherson.

https://twitter.com/steventurous/status/572807681972416512

https://twitter.com/steventurous/status/572803158382002176

[Yahoo]