OKLAHOMA City guard Russell Westbrook underwent surgery to repair a right cheek fracture and will miss the Thunder’s next game, the team announced Saturday.

    Westbrook suffered a knee to the face at the end of Friday’s game against Portland.

    It comes at an inopportune time as Westbrook enjoyed a phenomenal February, averaging 31.2 points, 10.3 assists and 9.1 rebounds.

    With reigning MVP Kevin Durant out of Oklahoma City’s lineup due to injury, Westbrook had been carrying the team.

    The 26-year-old was named the MVP of last month’s NBA All-Star Game and has thrust his name into league MVP discussions with his play as of late.

    Westbrook is averaging 26.5 points, 8.1 assists and 6.8 rebounds on the season for the Thunder, who are currently in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

    (SD-Agencies)