Russell Westbrook's Stat Projections With Bradley Beal Injured Are Enticing
By Peter Dewey
Russell Westbrook is Mr. Triple-Double and tonight he has a chance to break Oscar Robertson’s record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history against the Atlanta Hawks.
Additionally enticing for those looking at Westbrook's production output, the Washington Wizards will be without star Bradley Beal as he recovers from a hamstring issue. It’s possible Beal could be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, which would leave a lot on Westbrook’s plate as he tries to lift the Wizards to the playoffs. It also gives him the chance to pad the stat sheet.
Beal underwent MRI today that ruled out significant injury to the hamstring, sources said. But he is ruled out Monday vs. Atlanta and his status is uncertain for the remaining regular season games Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. https://t.co/nCQtnwBwpX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 9, 2021
Westbrook has some intriguing player prop projections with Beal out of the lineup on Monday. His projected point total is set for 26.5 on WynnBET with the over and under both at -110. Also, his projected assist total is set for 13.5 and the over (-130) is favored to the under (+100). Basically they're saying he's 50-50 to put up 27 and 14 tonight.
Over his last 19 games, Westbrook has led the Wizards to a 15-4 record while averaging 22.3 points, 14.0 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game and shooting 46.2 percent from the field. He’s taken 18.5 shots per game over that stretch, but that number is likely to increase with Beal (23.0 shots per game) on the sidelines.
Westbrook’s shooting can be erratic at times, but the Wizards will be leaning on him even more than usual against Atlanta. The Hawks are 21st in the NBA in defensive rating and just gave up 126 points to the Pacers their last time out. We’re going to give Russ the benefit of the doubt and take the over for points in this one.
Westbrook’s assist totals may take a hit without Beal, but he’s totaled 15 or more assists in each of his last four games. Considering the sustained stretch that he has averaged over 13.5 assists, the over for his player prop is the way to go as well.
Washington is currently +135 to make the playoffs on WynnBET, which is an improvement from yesterday when they passed the Indiana Pacers and were given +140 odds to make the postseason.