Russell Westbrook cleared to play

— -- Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook will return to the Thunder's lineup against the Miami Heat on Thursday night, the team confirmed.

"We are all very excited to have Russell back," Thunder president Sam Presti said in a statement. "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."

Westbrook has been sidelined since having his third knee surgery since April on Dec. 27.