NEW YORK — James Harden was ruled out of the Brooklyn Nets‘ game against the Houston Rockets after the third quarter Wednesday night because of right hamstring tightness.
Harden played 27 minutes through the first three quarters and finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. The Nets came from behind to beat the Rockets 120-108.
After the game, Nets coach Steve Nash said the team is “optimistic” Harden won’t be out long term, and that Harden’s status for Thursday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets will be determined after seeing how he feels in the morning.
Brooklyn was already playing without Kevin Durant, Landry Shamet and LaMarcus Aldridge on Wednesday night. The Nets trailed the Rockets by as many as 18 points in the first quarter before rallying to take the lead in the fourth.
Harden, who has catapulted into the MVP race, is averaging 26.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 11.4 assists.