Presti: Westbrook Will Return Against Heat

After an uneventful trade deadline came and went, general manager Sam Presti and the Thunder announced the biggest lineup change of the day: Russell Westbrook will be back in uniform on Thursday night when the Thunder host the Miami Heat.

Presti said the team is going to build Westbrook's minutes over time and "evaluate his availability in back-to-back situations," but added that the precautions were due to the Thunder's focus on the playoffs.

"We are all very excited to have Russell back," Presti said. "He has worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation, and his addition will allow us to build on the progress we have made in his absence."

The Thunder are 20-7 since Westbrook's injury on Dec. 25.