James Harden OUT of Warriors clash? Rockets issue statement over neck injury
JAMES HARDEN could be set to sit out the Houston Rockets’ clash with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night through injury.
James Harden: Nothing can slow me down or stop me
Harden is on one of the hottest scoring streaks in NBA history, having finished with at least 30 points in 32 consecutive games.
His latest scoring outburst came against the Los Angeles Lakers, but it wasn’t enough to help the Rockets get the win.
But the game may have come at a bigger cost for Harden, who had to receive treatment on his right shoulder and neck during the match.
And it seems the reigning league MVP is still feeling the effects of that injury as the Rockets have listed him as “questionable” for Saturday night’s clash against the Warriors.
His potential absence would be a huge blow for Houston in their attempts to sweep the season series over Golden State for the first time since 2010.
Harden came up big in their last meeting back in January, hitting a clutch contested three over two defenders for the win.
The Rockets are also hoping to climb up the Western Conference standings in the final stretch of the season.
They currently sit in fifth, two games back from the Portland Trail Blazers in fourth.
But they are only one game ahead of the LA Clippers, who currently hold the eighth seed.
After a poor start to the season - which saw the Rockets lose 14 of their opening 25 games - Harden helped lead their charge back up the rankings.
They almost caused a major upset in the Western Conference Finals last year against the Warriors, taking the series to a Game 7.
But with Chris Paul out with injury, Houston were unable to get the job done.
Golden State are once again the favourites to win the NBA championship, but will likely face more competition in the Western Conference.
The Denver Nuggets have been the surprise package of the season, led by Nikola Jokic.
And the Oklahoma City Thunder look a genuine threat this year with both Russell Westbrook and Paul George playing at an elite level.