According to head coach Stephen Silas, the Houston Rockets are hopeful injured superstar James Harden could return to the lineup in time for Monday night’s home game versus division rival Dallas.
“He got some shots up today,” Silas said following Sunday’s team practice at Toyota Center. “He went through his treatment, and hopefully he’ll be able to play tomorrow.” Harden was a late scratch for Saturday’s game versus Sacramento due to a sprained right ankle.
Harden, who leads the NBA in scoring for a fourth straight season at a 37.0 points per game clip, turned the ankle late in Thursday’s victory over the Kings after a collision with teammate John Wall. Harden finished out that game, but he was clearly in discomfort.
Stephen Silas is hopeful James Harden (sprained right ankle) will be able to play tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/EJvp5X3epG
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 3, 2021
With Harden out, Eric Gordon started at shooting guard on Saturday alongside John Wall, Danuel House Jr., PJ Tucker and Christian Wood. Gordon scored 21 points, second on the team to Wall’s 28.
While Harden did not play, he watched Saturday’s game from the bench and frequently engaged with teammates and coaches during Houston’s 102-94 win. The fact he went through a pregame workout on Saturday and participated in at least some on-court activities on Sunday seems to indicate the injury is not believed to be serious.
Harden will officially be listed as questionable for Monday’s game.
