Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to be evaluated for return to court

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a tough situation especially after dropping their 12^th loss in the season. Nothing except the re-appearance of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook could save them from the consequences.

Scott Brooks opened the doors of optimism after announcing that both of the stars are progressing well after enrolling non-contract drills in Saturday's practice.

"They looked good," said Scott Brooks to Darnell Mayberry, the Oklahoman. "They've been with the group the whole time, but Saturday was the first day they've actually participated in some of the drills."

Durant and Westbrook didn't participate in the entire practice but only participated in certain amount of selected drills by the coaching staff. Durant, who experienced a fracture in his foot, underwent a surgery five weeks ago. After that, he was scheduled to return in 6-8 weeks. He shall be examined again on Thanksgiving. Westbrook who had a fracture in his hand and was expected to miss 4-6 weeks, is expected to be examined as well after the holiday.

According to the Oklahoman, Westbrook is capable to return as early as on Friday against the New York Knicks. Yet there is no confirmed comeback date for both of the stars.

"It was good to see them out there with the group," he said. "They're progressing well. I'm sure in the next couple of days they're going to continue to add more to it," said Scott Brooks.

The Thunder are in need of their stars as soon as possible, but regardless of their frustrating record, Scott Brooks doesn't seem to be that coach who wants to rush in the return of his players. He believes that the team still got the opportunity to return to its standard level in the Western Conference.

"Not one time will we ever put our players in a position to be on the court when they're not ready regardless of how important the game is, how tough the situation we are in," Brooks said. "Our record's not where we want it to be. But we still have a great opportunity ahead of us. There's a lot of basketball to be played, obviously we have some catching up to do. But we're never going to put our players in a situation that ‘We need you to get out here' when they're not ready to be out on the court."