Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook will miss the next week with a quad injury, the team announced Monday.
Westbrook, 32, has been sidelined with the injury since Saturday when he missed the Wizards’ loss to the Miami Heat. By missing another week, the former MVP will be out for the Wizards’ next four games: Monday against Phoenix, Wednesday against Utah, Friday at Detroit and Sunday against Cleveland.
The injury is another blow to Washington, which has started the year 2-8 and lost center Thomas Bryant to a season-ending ACL injury over the weekend.
The Wizards hoped Westbrook’s addition would propel them back to the playoffs. Washington acquired the nine-time All-Star last month — trading star point guard John Wall in exchange for Westbrook. But his arrival hasn’t led to immediate success as Washington is still adjusting to the point guard on the floor.
In seven games, Westbrook has averaged 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 11.3 rebounds per game.
Washington planned to be careful with Westbrook’s health this season given his lengthy injury history. Last season, for example, he missed the end of the regular season and a portion of the playoffs due to a quad injury. Coach Scott Brooks said Westbrook’s current injury is unrelated to his previous one.
Despite Westbrook’s absence, the Wizards are expected to get star Bradley Beal back for Monday’s game against the Suns after he missed Saturday’s loss due to contact tracing protocols.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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