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The Golden State Warriors will finally begin their quest to three-peat on Tuesday night, but it won’t be quite the game that some were anticipating. The Warriors will raise their banners at Oracle Arena before kicking off the season against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the Thunder will likely be compromised.
Russell Westbrook - a seven-time All-Star and the 2017 NBA MVP - is currently listed as out for the Thunder.
Always subject to change and likely a much firmer update will come tomorrow after shootaround, but Russell Westbrook is listed as out against the Warriors in the game notes. Also, Steven Adams is listed as questionable with lower back stiffness.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) October 15, 2018
Westbrook is rehabbing from a minor knee surgery in September, and hasn’t played in any preseason games. He is, however, practicing, and it is possible that the team upgrades his status before the game.
Billy Donovan said the Thunder has prepared like Russell Westbrook isn’t playing and if he is playing. “Every day he’s done a little bit more, but they want to evaluate after he does workouts to see how he’s feeling.”
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) October 15, 2018
Without Westbrook, the Thunder are not only missing their best player, but the energetic motor that drives their team. Quite simply, the matchup is a little bit less fun.
For the Warriors, they have a few dents and dings of their own. Draymond Green, who missed three preseason games due to a sore knee, will have his minutes watched, while Shaun Livingston is questionable due to a sore foot.
Shaun Livingston questionable for tomorrow with foot soreness. Draymond Green will play, but in shorter than usual bursts as he builds up conditioning.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 15, 2018