2. Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder):
The Thunder was on course for another shot at the championship this season. They had their first 60 win season, clinched the Division championship for a third season in a row and had cruised through to the playoffs by grabbing the first seed in the West.

All too good to be true I guess! In just the 2nd game of the Playoffs against 8th seed Houston Rockets, Westbrook injured his right knee and was ruled out of further action in the post season.
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His absence was considered the missing link to Thunder’s chances of making it consecutive Finals appearances.
Poised to return at the start of training camp, Westbrook would surely look to use the pre-season schedule as a springboard to return to his form and contribute to the team come Tip-off.
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