Russell Westbrook injury could bite Thunder in playoffs

be limited to the short-term prospect of playing hard every night while all these wounds heal. Durant is expected to miss at least another month and possibly more, as the Jones fracture he suffered on Oct. 12 is among the more complicated of its kind. Westbrook, of course, was raring to go after three knee procedures in the span of six months forced him to miss most of the 2013 playoffs and 36 games last season
That's hardly the end of the current injury list, either, with Oklahoma City now hoping to be granted a "hardship exception," reserved for the rarest of circumstances, to sign an extra player because of all that ails them. Mitch McGarry (broken foot), Grant Jerrett (ankle surgery), Anthony Morrow (strained knee) and Durant will allow them to quality for this exception, which mandates that at least four players miss three consecutive regular season games.

A second exception could be granted now that Westbrook has joined the bunch, though not until he misses three games. Oklahoma City must play its third regular season game (Saturday against the Denver Nuggets) before the first exception can be granted. They're still without super sixth man guard Reggie Jackson (ankle sprain) and guard Jeremy Lamb (back sprain) as well, though they may return soon.