Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (hamstring) isn't listed on the injury report heading into Thursday's game versus the Hornets. Westbrook last played on January 31. Unfortunately, he's missed the last seven games because of a hamstring injury. The 36-year-old had averaged 14.6 points in 17 appearances in January, a significant bump in production since averaging 9.8 points in eight games in October. However, with the Nuggets having success without Westbrook in the starting lineup, winning their previous eight contests, he may find himself coming off the bench. If that happens, he could have a tough time remaining as productive.
Russell Westbrook Hopeful To Return After All-Star Break
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (hamstring) is expected to get back on the court after the All-Star break, according to head coach Mike Malone. Westbrook missed the final seven games before the break due to a left hamstring strain. Before going down, Westbrook was making a solid contribution with 13 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists across 27 minutes per game. Christian Braun has been playing a bigger role lately with over 30 minutes of action in six of his last seven games. He'll continue to have increased fantasy value until Westbrook returns to the court. Fantasy managers who have Westbrook rostered should be able to get him back in their lineups after the break.
Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook (hamstring) will miss a sixth straight game on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The former MVP has yet to take the court this month due to a hamstring strain, and there is currently no timeline for his return. The injury has come at an unfortunate time for Westbrook, who had carved out a solid role for himself as a starter. Christian Braun has rejoined the first unit during Westbrook's absence, putting together an impressive five-game stretch. He has averaged 18.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals over that span.
Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook (hamstring) will not take the court on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans. After suffering a hamstring strain, Westbrook has to sit out a second straight game. His absence has allowed Christian Braun to re-enter the starting lineup, and he excelled in Saturday's win over the Charlotte Hornets, notching a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double while picking up a couple of steals. Braun has averaged 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 steals in two previous meetings with the Pelicans this season.
Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook is seen as a good fit for the team by former Nugget and current Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. "(Westbrook) is going to bring some toughness and a mentality to that team that I think will be welcomed," Billups said in a recent interview. "So I'm happy for him. And I think he's going to make that team better." The presence of Jamal Murray means that Westbrook will continue to come off the bench in Denver. But he is expected to see a healthy amount of minutes, which will help him produce the goods in fantasy basketball.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, free-agent guard Russell Westbrook agreed to a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Denver Nuggets. The 35-year-old is coming off the worst year of his career, averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 68 games with the Clippers. He also shot 27.3% from behind the arc while starting just 11 times. However, Westbrook is a former MVP, so a change of scenery could bring him back to life from a statistical standpoint. With Jamal Murray known for his routine ailments, Westbrook may see some runs with the starting lineup. But even if he comes off the bench, he should receive more than enough minutes to re-establish himself as a legitimate fantasy option during the 2024-25 campaign.
The Denver Nuggets have signed guard Russell Westbrook to a two-year deal. The veteran guard will receive $6.8 million over the next two seasons. Westbrook officially joins the Nuggets after being waived by the Utah Jazz following a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. This was expected to happen after Utah waived the star guard. The assumption is that Westbrook is going to see significant minutes off the bench in Denver. He should immediately upgrade this bench that struggled to produce last season.
Utah Jazz guard Russell Westbrook was released by the team on Saturday. He was recently acquired in a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers for Kris Dunn. However, this move was expected all along, with the veteran anticipated to sign with the Denver Nuggets upon clearing waivers. Westbrook finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging a career-low 11.1 points with 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. While he's not expected to start routinely for the Nuggets, he could see enough minutes to be relevant from a fantasy standpoint, especially with Denver's lack of options from off the bench. Jamal Murray has also missed time over the years due to various injuries, so Westbrook might also make a few appearances with the first five this season.
Russell Westbrook Traded To Utah, Likely Heading To Denver
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clippers traded guard Russell Westbrook to Utah in exchange for guard Kris Dunn. This is the second time Westbrook has been traded to the Jazz since February 2023. However, like the first time he was dealt to Utah, both sides are expected to reach a buyout agreement. Assuming the multi-time All-Star clears waivers, he's likely heading to Denver. Westbrook is coming off a rough year, averaging a career-low 11.1 points with 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. He's no longer the player he once was. But with Jamal Murray having issues staying healthy over the years, Westbrook could see more than a few appearances with the starting lineup. It's also possible he's much more productive than last season.
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook continues to draw interest from the Denver Nuggets, with a potential deal likely. According to Harrison Wind of DNVR, the Nuggets are "on track" to add the former MVP to the roster. Westbrook has freshly opted into the last year of his contract that will pay him around $4 million next season. However, his future in Los Angeles is in doubt, and his admirers in Denver reportedly include Nuggets leader Nikola Jokic. Westbrook's fantasy value is far from what it used to be during his prime, but he can still rack up stats in a hurry if given enough minutes.
Russell Westbrook
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Nuggets
