WASHINGTON, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Oklahoma City Thunder announced Friday that they will miss their regular starting guard Russell Westbrook in the remaining NBA playoffs as the five-year veteran needs a knee surgery.
Westbrook, who was injured in Game 2 of the Thunder's first round series against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, will repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to the Western Conference top seeds.
The returning date of Westbrook has not yet set.
"Our players' health is our first and foremost concern," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said. "The Thunder's medical team and several specialists we consulted with determined that Russell undergo a procedure to address the issue."
Westbrook, who has never missed a game in his professional career, averaged 24.0 points, 7.0 assists and 6.5 rebounds in the first two playoff games this season while the Thunder lead 2-0 over Houston.