Thunder's Russell Westbrook (hand) will start Friday against Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook will return to the lineup Friday for the first time in nearly a month, coach Scott Brooks told reporters.
Westbrook fractured his hand on Oct. 30 and later underwent surgery. He was expected to be out for four to six weeks.
Westbrook played in every game in each of his first five seasons, but was limited to just 46 games last season with a knee injury.
The Thunder have been hit hard by injuries this season. Forward Kevin Durant has yet to play this season after undergoing foot surgery. Durant will not play Friday, Brooks said.
Earlier this month, the NBA granted the Thunder a hardship exemption to add a player to its roster because of its long list of injured players which also includes Perry Jones III and rookie Mitch McGary.
• Knicks' Carmelo Anthony: At one point, I thought I'd join the Bulls
The Thunder waived reserve point guard Sebastian Telfair on Wednesday.
The Knicks will be without forward Carmelo Anthony on Friday as he continues to deal with back spasms.
- Dan Gartland
