Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook is officially listed as questionable to play Saturday’s Game 3 against the Sixers due to a right ankle sprain, the team tweets. Westbrook injured his ankle in the second half of Game 2. He played just 29 minutes and shot 2-for-10 from the field. If he can’t go, Ish Smith would likely move into the lineup and play big minutes.
We have more from the Wizards:
- Daniel Gafford understands why the coaching staff hasn’t let him play heavy minutes, as Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington details. Gafford has played 20 minutes in both games of the series. Gafford says his conditioning wasn’t ideal due to his spotty minutes before he was traded from the Bulls. “Sometimes it’s terrible, sometimes it’s better than what it was the day before,” he said. “I have to really just maintain consistency on where my conditioning is when it comes to doing things off the court and stuff. My conditioning was lopsided at the time [of the trade]. I’ve had a weird year, I’m not going to lie to you.”
- Regardless of how the series shakes out, the playoffs are a perfect measuring stick for the Wizards’ roster heading into a crucial offseason, Hughes writes in a separate story. It could require a trade or a key free agent acquisition to take the next step to being a title contender, or simply improvement from within, Hughes continues. They’ll have to decide whether to mortgage their future to put the necessary pieces around Bradley Beal and Westbrook, Hughes adds.
- The front office needs to put its mid-level exception and first-round pick to good use this offseason, specifically to address its lack of perimeter shooters, David Aldridge of The Athletic opines. With Davis Bertans rendered a non-factor in the series, Washington doesn’t have any consistent 3-point threats on the current roster, Aldridge notes.
Hey Gaff – your conditioning should be based on individual discipline in the locker room both during the season and the off-season, not on playing time. If you are out of shape at the end of the season, during the playoffs, it’s because you didn’t keep yourself in shape during the regular season. In any event, it’s not the fault of your former team.
Being in shape off the court is different then on the court. Playing shape is way different. And yes that is the bulls fault. Prior to being traded he was playing 10-15 mins one game and none the next. Then 20 the following game. Having inconsistent playing time does hurt ur conditioning. Idk if u played or not. But being well conditioned off the court doesn’t mean ur gunna last on the court. Completely different level of conditioning.
Being assaulted with popcorn would likely keep most players out a game or two.
Westbrook for Kemba…who says no?
Wizards
Kemba might just play better away from Boston. Much like Hayward did
Hayward played great in Boston when he was actually available. They really could have used him this year, much like the Hornets did.
Kemba does not look right. Don’t really get it. It’s not just the injuries. It’s like he don’t want it. You’d think he’d be all out if playoffs. Since he’s never been in one.
Buyout Westbrook 20 mill. Then sign with Knicks 3yrs 75 mill. Come to NY we will show you the respect you deserve. YEEeeeeeeeesssss