Westbrook out thru All-Star break

— -- Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Friday and will be out through the All-Star break, the team announced.

"Russell has been playing pain free, but recently had experienced increased swelling," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement Friday. "After consultation and consideration by his surgeon in Los Angeles, a plan was established to monitor the swelling that included a series of scheduled MRIs.

"On the most recent MRI it was determined by the surgeon that there was an area of concern that had not previously existed, nor was detectable in the previous procedures, and it was necessary to evaluate Russell further. The consulting physician determined that arthroscopic surgery was necessary to address the swelling that was taking place. We know that Russell's work ethic and commitment will help him return to the level of play that we have all come to appreciate." 

Westbrook tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee during the second game of the NBA playoffs last April. He underwent an initial surgery for the injury on April 27, and then had another surgery on Oct. 1 to remove a loose stitch from the first procedure.

At the time, the Thunder said he would miss the first four to six weeks of the regular season, but he ended up returning Nov. 3 against the Phoenix Suns, missing a total of just two games.

Westbrook has helped Oklahoma City to a 23-5 record and second place in the Western Conference entering Friday. He's averaging 21.3 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game in 32.9 minutes.

In his last game out, the 25-year-old Westbrook had 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in a Christmas Day rout of the New York Knicks.