Russell Westbrook cleared to play tonight vs Phoenix Suns

Oklahoma City Thunder fans are about to receive some great news after a rocky start to this 2013-14 NBA season.

Russell Westbrook has been cleared to play basketball.

The Thunder released a press release late Sunday afternoon, just before they are set to play against the Phoenix Suns.

"Russell Westbrook has gone through a methodical rehab process jointly created by our medical and performance teams and treating physicians," Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti said. "The process has been instrumental in getting Russell to this point and has included various physical and medical benchmarks. The final benchmark being unrestricted basketball activity. After hitting the necessary marks, all parties, including the team, consulting physicians, Russell's representatives, and most importantly Russell, jointly determined that returning to play was the correct next step."

After suffering one of their worst regular season losses in franchise history Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thunder fans and players are probably ecstatic to have Westbrook back in the lineup, and well ahead of schedule.

The question is, is Westbrook returning too soon?

Lest anyone suggest Russ returning tonight b/c of poor start...no way #Thunder would play unless 100% cleared.

— Dean Blevins (@DeanBlevins) November 3, 2013

Darnell Mayberry reports that we're going to hear from Westbrook before game time:

Russell Westbrook will address the media prior to making his season debut in tonight's game, his first public comments since media day.

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) November 3, 2013