Wizards' Bradley Beal misses home opener with hip problems

The Washington Wizards began the 2021-22 NBA regular season with a 98-83 win at the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday but were without a familiar face for Friday's home opener against the Indiana Pacers. 

Per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Washington All-Star guard Bradley Beal sat out Friday's contest because of right hip problems. 

Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr., hired this summer, suggested the decision was largely precautionary. It's believed Beal should be good to go for Monday's matchup at the Brooklyn Nets. 

According to ESPN stats, Beal scored a team-high 23 points in the victory at Toronto. 

As Chase Hughes wrote for NBC Sports Washington, the Wizards offered Beal a contract extension worth approximately $181.5 million over four years on Oct. 1, but he hasn't yet signed it. The 28-year-old can become a free agent after the campaign. 

"Brad and I have a very respectful, very honest relationship," Wizards chairman Ted Leonsis told NBC Sports Washington on Thursday night. 

"It's very similar to my relationship with (Washington Capitals captain) Alex Ovechkin. He will obviously always do what's right for his family. We will do what's right for the organization. I believe — and I think he believes — that there is synergy in what's best for him and what's best for us. It's not something he's obsessing over or we're obsessing over."