After missing just one game with a broken bone in his cheek, Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook will return to the starting lineup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, March 4.
Westbrook says he will wear a clear, protective mask on his face prevent any further damage to the bone for the time being.
The 26-year-old broke the zygomatic arch bone in his cheek on February 27, late in the Thunder’s loss at Portland.
Doctors corrected the fracture with surgery the next day in Los Angeles.
“If you feel your face and it feels a little deformed it’s definitely a different feeling,” Westbrook said. “It’s definitely scary.”
Westbrook has missed 15 games this season, 14 for a broken hand.
The Thunder are 5-10 when Westbrook does not play.
Watch the video above to hear Westbrook discuss the injury.