Westbrook facing surgery

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Westbrook was forced to leave the court early against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday after suffering a small fracture in his right hand.

The All-Star guard was further evaluated on Friday and there is a possibility he could undergo surgery to repair the injury.

"At this stage, surgery is a consideration for this particular injury," Presti told ESPN.com.

"If there were to be a procedure, we would provide a time frame at that point."

Westbrook's injury is another big blow for the Thunder, who are already without NBA MVP Kevin Durant (foot) until the New Year.

And Presti confirmed the Thunder are considering applying for a league hardship exception with Mitch McGary (foot), Anthony Morrow (knee), Reggie Jackson (ankle), Jeremy Lamb (back) and Grant Jerrett (ankle) also on the sidelines.

The exception would allow Oklahoma City to sign an additional player if four players on the roster are not expected to return within a minimum of two weeks.

"We're certainly looking into it," Presti said.

"But by the same token, we have to asses not only the needs on the roster, but when the players would return and how to best maximize the group that we have and our ability to get our players back healthy."

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