* Tonight on TNT: Thunder vs. Warriors, 10:30 ET
Hopes that former Kia MVP winner Russell Westbrook would suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season-opening game have been dashed, it seems.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan told reporters today that Westbrook — who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery he had on his right knee in September — will remain sidelined against the Golden State Warriors tonight.
Billy Donovan says Russell Westbrook is out, Steven Adams is a wait and see against the Warriors.
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) October 16, 2018
Per Thunder: Russell Westbrook will miss tonight’s season opener against the Golden State Warriors.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 16, 2018
Westbrook’s absence means guard Dennis Schroder is likely to get the start vs. the Warriors.
The Thunder were active in the offseason, parting ways with Carmelo Anthony in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks that netted them Schroder. Additionally, they re-signed All-Star swingman Paul George and defensive-minded forward Jerami Grant while also picking up Noel, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Abdel Nader in other transactions.