LOS ANGELES (AP) — Russell Westbrook will return to the Clippers' lineup after missing 12 games because of a fractured left hand when Los Angeles takes on the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
Westbrook on March 1 and three days later, depriving the Clippers of an impact player off the bench. Westbrook is averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists this season, having moved to a reserve role following the acquisition of James Harden in a trade on Nov. 1.
The Clippers went .500 in Westbrook’s absence and are coming off a on Sunday.
“Having that pace and having energy on the floor, it’s definitely infectious,” head coach Ty Lue said ahead of Monday's game. “We need that pop.”
Lue said the 35-year-old Westbrook is not on any minutes restriction because he was able to maintain his cardiovascular conditioning while out.
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AP NBA:
Dan Greenspan, The Associated Press