Is Russell Westbrook playing tonight? Nuggets host Clippers in Game 5 with series lead at stake

The Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers are locked in one of the most tightly contested series of the NBA playoffs’ first round. After the first four games, the series is tied 2-2, and anything can happen in the next two matchups at Ball Arena. With Game 5 just hours away, all attention is focused on Russell Westbrook.

The 36-year-old guard missed the last game against the Clippers in California due to a left foot injury suffered during the early games of the series. He last played in Game 3 on April 24, though his role was limited—he spent just nine minutes on the court, recording three points, one rebound, and one assist.

For Tuesday night’s game in Colorado, the Nuggets listed Westbrook as ‘questionable’ in the latest injury report. This means Russ is still not fully recovered from his injury, and his availability will remain uncertain until shortly before tip-off.

Westbrook’s impact with the Nuggets

Westbrook played a key role for Denver during the NBA regular season, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 games. He logged an average of 27.9 minutes per game.

Nuggets’ stars Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook.

However, since the start of the playoffs—and now without Michael Malone as head coach—Russell’s impact has diminished noticeably. The guard has appeared in three of the four games in the series against the Clippers, averaging 22.1 minutes, 10.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.

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Westbrook not the only injury concern for Denver

In addition to Russell Westbrook, two other Denver Nuggets players were included in the latest injury report shared by the NBA on Tuesday. DaRon Holmes II is officially listed as ‘out’ as he continues to recover from surgery on a torn right Achilles tendon.

Michael Porter Jr. is another player who’s dealt with physical issues in recent days. The 26-year-old forward is a key piece of the lineup, and his presence Tuesday appears almost certain, as the Nuggets have labeled him ‘probable.’ Porter Jr. is managing a left shoulder sprain, but it does not appear likely to keep him out against the Clippers at Ball Arena.

Clippers enter Game 5 at full strength

After a regular season in which Clippers fans often checked every injury report for updates on Kawhi Leonard—the team’s top star alongside James Harden—the playoff outlook has improved significantly. Heading into Game 5 of the series against the Denver Nuggets, there are currently no injury concerns for the Clippers, and head coach Tyronn Lue is expected to have his full roster available for this crucial matchup.