Russell Westbrook underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after swelling occurred and is not expected to return until after the All-Star break, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced. The surgery comes out of nowhere and is the second arthroscopic procedure for Westbrook since tearing his meniscus during the 2013 NBA playoffs.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced the team discovered an "area of concern" they were unaware of in previous procedures, though did not specify what exactly was their latest finding.
The Thunder have 27 games until they reach the All-Star break on Feb. 13. Westbrook also missed the first three games of the season after his knee showed swelling. Team doctors discovered the meniscus had fully recovered and a loose stitch was determined as the cause for the first setback.
This is the third knee surgery in under nine months for the Thunder's star point guard. Westbrook is averaging 21.3 points and seven assists per game. Reggie Jackson will likely move into the Thunder's starting lineup.
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