Russell Westbrook has been more than a MVP candidate and a triple-double machine-though he has excelled in both of those categories. He has also morphed into the most devastating one-man force in the league and put himself on top of "the most entertaining player in basketball" list during a season that has seen Stephen Curry throw up a highlight-reel play almost every night. Westbrook has been a revelation for an Oklahoma City Thunder team that needed him to be spectacular on a nightly basis in order for the squad to even remain in contention for a playoff spot.

Oklahoma City's injuries to Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka could have derailed the organization's postseason hopes had it not been for Westbrook's historic run of triple doubles and monster 30-point, 14-rebound and 10-assist games over the last two months of basketball. Westbrook may not win the MVP award-Curry and James Harden have produced more wins to go along with the gaudy stats, which will lead to one of them winning the honor that usually goes to the best player on the best team-yet there may not be a player more important to his team's success this season.

The Thunder, however, will need more than Westbrook if they wish to succeed in the playoffs as they are likely to see a first-round battle with the top-seeded Golden State Warriors to open up the playoffs. Let's take a closer look at the Thunder and figure out if they can succeed in the playoffs.

Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka Injuries

Thunder general manager Sam Presti recently announced that the team will be shutting Durant down from any basketball-related activities for the near future, which certainly will mean for the remainder of the regular season and possibly the playoffs, depending on how the reigning MVP's foot recovers. Durant's latest injury resulted from complications with a screw used to fix a fracture in the bottom of his foot from earlier in the year. Presti and the Thunder seem to be finally taking the conservative approach after allowing Durant to rush back from the initial injury, and they may keep him out of the postseason entirely.

The Ibaka injury resulted from a soreness in his knee that team doctors determined needed to be operated on and will sideline the forward anywhere from three to four weeks, which will span the rest of the regular season and a few games into the playoffs. Oklahoma City will now be in the unenviable position of having to face the Warriors without two of its best three players. The team made multiple savvy additions to its roster during the February trade deadline, bringing in Enes Kanter, who has quickly turned himself into a valuable asset. However, Durant and Ibaka must return for Oklahoma City have any hope of a deep postseason run.

Oklahoma Future's Odds

Western Conference Odds: +1500

NBA Finals Odds: +2500

The Thunder are certainly receiving enticing futures odds to win both the Western Conference title and NBA Championship. Many of the West's top contenders have dealt with injuries of their own, and at the moment only the Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs seem to be legitimate title contenders. Dallas and Los Angeles are struggling with chemistry issues, while Houston and Portland are without two of their top players in Dwight Howard and Wesley Matthews, respectively.

Oklahoma's biggest issue is that it will be forced to face a historically great regular-season team in the Warriors that are on pace to win 66 or 67 games and probably make a West finals appearance at the very least. Even if the Thunder had a healthy Durant and Ibaka for the series, they would probably still be an underdog to the No.1-rated offensive and defensive efficiency squad in the league.

Oklahoma City has to begin worrying about protecting its future. Is rushing back Durant, who will be out of basketball shape either way, for a first-round matchup it will likely lose in the best interest of the Thunder? Expect Presti to keep Durant out for the playoffs and hope that Westbrook can carry the team into a deep playoff run.

Read more articles by George Monroy