Los Angeles Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook suffered a left hand fracture in the first half of Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards, the team announced. The injury is expected to cost Westbrook most, if not all, of the month of March.

Westbrook, 35, was the last player to appear in every game this season for the Clippers. As a key member of the second unit, Westbrook has been relied on for rim pressure, pace, playmaking and on-ball defense. Over the last two months, LA has utilized Westbrook as a small ball center, taking advantage of the 16-year veteran’s ability to rebound while serving as a secondary playmaker.

The Clippers used third-string point guard Bones Hyland for the first time since January 31 after Westbrook’s injury. Hyland, who was deactivated along with veteran power forward PJ Tucker in the pre-All-Star break finale at Golden State on February 14, is expected to be the backup point guard in Westbrook’s stead.

Westbrook is averaging 11.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 22.8 minutes this season.

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(Photo: Jayne Kamin / USA Today)