45 articles
SAC • Guard • #4
3 days ago
Westbrook logged his third-straight 20-point game of the season on Friday, which was again highlighted by strong overall shooting efficiency and high production from beyond the arc. The veteran guard also found success on the glass, produced as a passer, and got his teammates involved against his former team. Even in Year 18, Westbrook has proven capable of stuffing the stat sheet and providing value in fantasy leagues, especially now as he’s demonstrating an ability to be an efficient scorer. He’s certainly worthy of a roster spot.
SAC • Guard • #4
5 days ago
Westbrook recorded his first triple-double as a King, helping lead the team to a win despite not having Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis. Rostered in 34 percent of Yahoo! leagues, he’s providing top-75 value in nine-cat formats. Westbrook has largely kept the turnovers in check, which has been great for the Kings and those who have him rostered. Dennis Schröder’s fantasy value hasn’t suffered either, as he is also providing seventh-round value. He finished Wednesday’s win with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one block and three three-pointers.
SAC • Guard • #4
7 days ago
Playing in Denver for the first time since opting out of the final year of his two-year deal to hit free agency, Westbrook provided the complete “Russell Westbrook Experience” on Monday. Moving into the starting lineup, he was highly productive against the Nuggets, recording a double-double with six assists. However, he was also responsible for six turnovers, including two within 30 seconds late in the fourth quarter, effectively eliminating Sacramento’s rallying chances. Westbrook has been the most productive of the players that head coach Doug Christie has called on to start due to Keegan Murray being injured. That should keep him in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.
SAC • Guard • #4
7 days ago
Westbrook is back in the starting lineup, replacing Dylan Cardwell, who only played five minutes as a starter in the Kings’ last game. Westbrook has averaged 14 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.5 threes per game across his two starts this season.
Source: James Ham
SAC • Guard • #4
13 days ago
Having been used in a reserve role for his first three games with the Kings, Westbrook replaced Keon Ellis in the starting lineup on Tuesday. While Sacramento didn’t get the win, the veteran point guard shot 4-of-8 from beyond the arc and was one of four starters in double figures. Ellis played 27 minutes off the bench, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, two steals, one block and two three-pointers. While Ellis offers a higher fantasy ceiling at this stage in their respective career, Westbrook could be worth a look in deep leagues if he remains in the starting lineup. Of course, this will all change once Keegan Murray (thumb) is cleared to return.
SAC • Guard • #4
13 days ago
Westbrook will make his first start at a King on Tuesday, and he’ll do so in the city where he began his NBA career. Keon Ellis has been moved to the bench, possibly in an attempt to avoid the early foul trouble that can result from guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Sacramento’s other four starters are unchanged.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Guard • #4
15 days ago
After totaling 13 points and five assists in his first two games with the Kings, Westbrook was far more productive on Sunday. Maybe playing against the Lakers was motivation, but Westbrook shot 50 percent from the field and was a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Also, he was 4-of-6 from three. Westbrook had five games last season in which he made five three-pointers, so this is unlikely to become a common occurrence. Add in the poor foul shooting, and there’s reason for fantasy managers to remain skeptical even after Westbrook’s solid showing against the Lakers.
SAC • Guard • #4
19 days ago
Having agreed to a one-year deal on October 15, Westbrook played 19 minutes off the bench in his Kings’ debut. While the rebound production was solid, he did not shoot the ball well, which has often been said about Westbrook in recent years. Dennis Schröder (14/1/7/2/1 with two three-pointers in 30 minutes) is the starter and will remain in that role for the foreseeable future. That doesn’t bode well for Westbrook’s fantasy ceiling, which will remain extremely low due to his place within the rotation.
SAC • Guard • #4
27 days ago
It will be a one-year deal worth $3.6 million. Westbrook will join a backcourt that features Dennis Schroder, Malik Monk and Keon Ellis, which doesn’t really address the Kings’ frontcourt depth after the Keegan Murray injury. Westbrook doesn’t have a clear path to fantasy production, but his presence will take some upside away from Schroder, Monk and Ellis.
Source: Shams Charania
DEN • Guard • #4
30 days ago
Throughout the offseason, there were reports of a potential partnership between the Kings and Westbrook, who has been a free agent since opting out of the final year of his deal with the Nuggets. It was also reported that, with the signing of Dennis Schröder, the Kings would need to move a guard to make room for Westbrook. Malik Monk and Devin Carter, whose names were mentioned in trade rumors to make that happen, remain on the Kings’ roster. Would that remain the case if the team were to sign Westbrook now? Or will the most recent rumblings be a way to drum up interest in either of those players? Westbrook hasn’t been a consistently impactful fantasy option in recent years, so he is not a player managers should look to draft and stash in anticipation of a potential move to Sacramento.
Source: Shams Charania
DEN • Guard • #4
30 days ago
Throughout the offseason, there were reports of a potential partnership between the Kings and Westbrook, who has been a free agent since opting out of the final year of his deal with the Nuggets. It was also reported that, with the signing of Dennis Schröder, the Kings would need to move a guard to make room for Westbrook. Malik Monk and Devin Carter, whose names were mentioned in trade rumors to make that happen, remain on the Kings’ roster. Would that remain the case if the team were to sign Westbrook now? Or will the most recent rumblings be a way to drum up interest in either of those players? Westbrook hasn’t been a consistently impactful fantasy option in recent years, so he is not a player managers should look to draft and stash in anticipation of a potential move to Sacramento.
Source: Shams Charania
DEN • Guard • #4
3 months ago
Since Westbrook hit free agency, the parties have been mutually interested in a partnership. However, Sacramento does need to open up a roster spot before making a move for the veteran point guard. While Malik Monk’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors, Stein reported Sunday that the Kings are looking into ways to open up a spot on the perimeter without moving him. While Sacramento did add Dennis Schröder via sign-and-trade, another proven point guard still needs to be added to the roster. Devin Carter’s name may be one to watch between now and the beginning of training camp as the Kings look to strengthen their roster.
Source: Marc Stein
DEN • Guard • #4
4 months ago
The Knicks are one of several teams expected to be interested in Westbrook. The 36-year-old point guard had a bounce back season with the Nuggets averaging 13.3 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game and 6.1 assists per game. The Knicks have the $5 million tax-payer exception and the veteran’s minimum exception to offer free agents.
Source: Ian Begley
DEN • Guard • #4
5 months ago
Westy enjoyed a productive season with Denver, logging just under 28 minutes per game across 75 appearances. Since leaving Oklahoma City, Westbrook has played for five teams in six seasons, and he’ll look to latch on with another squad this summer. Given his age, the veteran will likely look for a contender.
Source: Marc Stein
DEN • Guard • #4
6 months ago
Westbrook was on the injury report for Game 7 against the Thunder with a hand injury, and he announced that the surgery will repair two breaks in his right hand. There’s no reason to think this will impact his status ahead of training camp, but it does help justify his struggles over the final five games of Denver’s series against Oklahoma City. Westbrook has a $3.5 million player option and could choose to run things back with the Nuggets for another season.
Source: Law Murray
DEN • Guard • #4
6 months ago
Westy and Murray were both listed as probable for Sunday’s pivotal matchup, so it’s no surprise that both will take the court. Expect both guards to handle their typical workloads.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Guard • #4
6 months ago
Westbrook is dealing with a hand sprain that at times seemed to impact his handle in Game 6. Nevertheless, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Nuggets in Game 7 against Oklahoma City on Sunday. It seems likely that Westbrook will be available and he could have added importance if Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is unable to suit up.
Source: Clemente Almanza
DEN • Guard • #4
6 months ago
Despite an ugly first half for Denver, Westbrook was productive and entered the break with 15 points. He didn’t add much in the second half, though he sat the entire fourth quarter, still it was enough to lead the Nuggets in scoring. Russ has been awesome over Denver’s last five games, and his continued success will be key to the Nuggets winning this series. Though this game was ugly, they still have homecourt advantage in this series. They’ll look to keep it in Game 3 on Friday.
DEN • Guard • #4
6 months ago
Playing against the franchise that drafted him, Westbrook was excellent in Game 1. He was efficient offensively, and while he only had two assists, one was the biggest of the game. Westbrook found Aaron Gordon on the left wing in the final seconds, and AG’s three-pointer was the difference in Denver’s 121-119 victory. Westbrook’s performance helped Denver compensate for Michael Porter Jr. (2/4/0/1/1) shooting 1-of-8 from the field. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
DEN • Guard • #4
6 months ago
There were plenty of highs and lows for Westbrook throughout the series, but with the season on the line, he rose to the occasion. He had some big moments in the fourth quarter to solidify the win for Denver and eliminate his former team. Despite what social media may say, Westbrook is still more than capable of making an impact in the playoffs, and they will need him to produce like he did in this game during their matchup with the top-seeded Thunder in the second round. For now, Russ gets the last laugh after both Los Angeles teams were eliminated in the first round.
DEN • Guard • #4
6 months ago
There were plenty of highs and lows for Westbrook throughout the series, but with the season on the line, he rose to the occasion. He had some big moments in the fourth quarter to solidify the win for Denver and eliminate his former team. Despite what social media may say, Westbrook is still more than capable of making an impact in the playoffs, and they will need him to produce like he did in this game during their matchup with the top-seeded Thunder in the second round. For now, Russ gets the last laugh after both Los Angeles teams were eliminated in the first round.
DEN • Guard • #4
6 months ago
After dropping 21 points in his return to the Nuggets’ rotation in Game 5, Westbrook had another quality performance in Game 6. He was efficient while recording a double-double, shooting 50 percent from the field and committing two turnovers. With Michael Porter Jr. (five points, three rebounds, two steals, one block and one three-pointer) struggling in his 24 minutes, the Nuggets relied on Westbrook more as they looked to close out the series. Look for Westbrook to once again figure prominently in the rotation for Game 7 on Saturday.
DEN • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Westbrook was electric in his first game back in the lineup following a foot injury that kept him out of Game 4. His second-quarter scoring ignited the crowd and helped set the table for what would be his highest-scoring game of the postseason. The 2017 NBA MVP has had himself a nice series thus far from a scoring standpoint and will have a chance to end his former team’s season on Thursday in Game 6.
DEN • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Westbrook is available after sitting out the Nuggets’ wild Game 4 victory on Saturday. He should not have much difficulty reaching double digits in minutes, something that only one Nuggets reserve (Peyton Watson) did in Game 4.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Westbrook missed Game 4, but interim head coach David Adelman just relied on his starters more than usual. If Westbrook misses another game, expect the starters to all play 40-plus minutes once again. Peyton Watson was the only reserve to play more than 10 minutes, and he played 13.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Westbrook is officially out after left foot inflammation limited him to nine minutes in Game 3 on Thursday. His absence frees up rotation minutes for Julian Strawther and Jalen Pickett. However, with Denver needing a win to even the series, starters Jamal Murray and Christian Braun may play more minutes than they usually would.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Westbrook played nine minutes in the first half of Thursday’s Game 3 defeat and did not return after halftime. Julian Strawther moved into the rotation but was ineffective, missing his lone shot attempt in 11 minutes of action. Strawther and Jalen Pickett may pick up a few additional minutes if Westbrook cannot play. However, given the stakes, it’s more likely that Denver asks starters Christian Braun and Jamal Murray to shoulder even more of the perimeter workload.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Westbrook only played nine first-half minutes before heading to the locker room with an inflamed left foot. His exit resulted in second-half rotation minutes for Julian Strawther, who missed his lone shot attempt and finished with one rebound and one blocked shot in 11 minutes. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, the turnaround will be quick, as Game 4 is on Saturday. Strawther and Jalen Pickett will be asked to contribute more if Westbrook is unable to play.
DEN • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Due to an inflamed left foot, Westbrook’s availability for the remainder of Thursday’s game is uncertain. He played nine minutes in the first half, scoring three points (1-of-5 FGs) with one rebound, one assist and one three-pointer. Julian Strawther entered the rotation during the third quarter after not playing in either of the first two games. While he can provide three-point shooting, Strawther is not the defender that Westbrook is.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Westbrook was again used in a reserve role on Sunday, providing solid value off the bench. With Jamal Murray (hamstring) still out, the veteran point guard does have a slightly higher fantasy ceiling. Jalen Pickett received the starting nod on Sunday, and he finished with four points, one rebound and two assists in 24 minutes. Whether it’s Pickett or Peyton Watson (three points, one rebound and three blocks) who starts, Westbrook remains a player worth rostering while Murray is out.