Sources: Russell Westbrook to Make Injury Return vs. Indiana Pacers

LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is set to return from injury

Los Angeles Lakers v Los Angeles Clippers / Ronald Martinez/GettyImages

After missing 12 games with a fractured left hand, LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is set to return on Monday against the Indiana Pacers. Westbrook's return comes exactly three weeks after undergoing hand surgery. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that a return on Monday was a possibility for Westbrook.

The Clippers went 6-6 in their 12 games without Westbrook, defeating just one team with a winning record, which was an 89-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. While some of LA's struggles preceded Westbrook's injury, many have been especially evident in his absence.

With 12 games remaining, the Clippers are trying to not only regain form before the postseason begins, but also hold onto home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. With their loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, the Clippers' lead over the 5th seed New Orleans Pelicans is down to just a half-game. LA does not hold the tiebreaker over New Orleans.

Westbrook's return should provide the Clippers with increased pace, defensive intensity, rebounding, and more - all noticeable issues in his absence. When asked recently about Westbrook's absence, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard said, "He’s another guy that comes in with energy, giving us a fast pace… Another defender, another scorer. We definitely miss him."

Just three weeks after undergoing hand surgery, Westbrook will return to the Clippers' lineup on Monday.

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