Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) and Russell Westbrook (0) play around during a time out during the NBA game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks said Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook participated in the majority of the team's practice today, including some contact portions, according to The Oklahoman's Darnell Mayberry and Anthony Slater.

Even though both are practicing, per NBA rules regarding the hardship exception, neither is eligible to return to the lineup until Friday (vs. New York Knicks) at the earliest. Mayberry explained the hardship exception in relation to the duo's return in his Saturday piece:

The positives within their progression, coupled with the Thunder’s increasingly unsatisfactory record, are indications that both could return sooner than expected. It’s possible the Thunder is targeting Friday’s home game against New York for Westbrook’s return. It would be the day before his originally scheduled evaluation date.

It’s also the earliest either player — or fellow injured teammates Mitch McGary and Grant Jerrett — can return due to the NBA’s hardship rules. The league granted the Thunder an additional roster spot above the maximum of 15, which the Thunder used to sign point guard Ish Smith. The supplemental spot is available in 10-day stretches, and Smith’s second 10 days expire Thanksgiving.