Wizards' Beal to miss at least 1 week due to hamstring strain
Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal will miss the team's next three games after an MRI revealed a hamstring strain, the team announced Monday.
Beal will be re-evaluated in one week after suffering the injury in the first quarter of Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 29-year-old has struggled to stay healthy over the previous three campaigns and has already missed time this season, including a five-game stint in the league's health and safety protocols. Beal last played a full 82-game schedule during the 2018-19 campaign.
"It's big shoes that we have to fill, the rest of the team," Wizards forward Kristaps Porzingis told reporters following Sunday's game, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. "I think we had moments when Brad was out with COVID where we responded and played pretty well.
"We played with high energy, we knew we had to pick up, and everybody picked up."
Beal is averaging 22.9 points, 5.4 assists, 3.7 boards, and 1.2 steals over 18 appearances this season.
Washington inked the former No. 3 overall pick to a five-year, $251-million contract this past summer. Beal's new deal includes a $57.1-million player option for 2026-27 and a no-trade clause.