Injury Update: Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony out vs. Grizzlies

As the OKC Thunder prepare to play the Grizzlies news confirms Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony won’t play.

The OKC Thunder have been down and out lately with five losses in six of their last games. Heading into the match versus the Memphis Grizzlies the team announced Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony won’t play.

Each missed the last game due to ankle sprains. Carmelo Anthony played just 6:01 in the game versus the Golden State Warriors and sat out against the Los Angeles Lakers with a right ankle sprain.

Russell Westbrook is hobbled by a left ankle sprain which also kept him out of the game versus the Lakers.

Severity of injuries unknown:

What isn’t known is the severity of either sprain. The fact both stars are being held out could mean the team is just exercising caution.

Or potentially the OKC Thunder medical staff and Billy Donovan may deem this opponent (Memphis Grizzlies) a team they can afford to sit both stars against to get them closer to one hundred percent.

Three games until All-Star Break:

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After today, the OKC Thunder have just two games remaining until the All-Star Break. Unfortunately those games come in the form of a back to back set. And, also a bit scary is the team they’ll host next is the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The reason I say it’s unfortunate is because the Cavaliers just added four new players (sending out six) who are presently spanking the Boston Celtics who happen to be the NBA’s best defense.

Moreover, the Cavaliers (and LeBron James specifically) have reason to want to annihilate the OKC Thunder given the beat down Cleveland took on their home court.

The second game of the back to back will occur against today’s opponent (Memphis).

Paul George and Russell Westbrook are set to play in the All-Star Game next Sunday. The remainder of the OKC Thunder roster will get some well deserved time off to get their fatigued bodies and minds some rest.

Next: Top 10 Buyout Candidates for OKC

Then the entire squad will return for the final 23 games to close out the season and try to improve their seeding.

In the interim, check out the  full game day preview by Wil Harrington here.