James Harden injury update: Steve Nash says Nets will ‘err on the side of caution’ with star’s hamstring

After lacking two video games earlier this month with a hamstring harm, Brooklyn Nets star James Harden returned to the lineup on Monday evening. It proved to be a short-lived return, nevertheless, as he was restricted to only 4 minutes within the Nets’ win over the New York Knicks. 

After handing out three assists and grabbing a rebound, Harden checked out of the sport early within the first quarter as a consequence of continued tightness in his hamstring. He didn’t return, and it is unclear when he’ll be again within the lineup. Nets head coach Steve Nash advised reporters that each one checks and imaging have come again clear, however Harden nonetheless wasn’t feeling one hundred pc.

Because of this, Nash stated the workforce goes to be cautious with their star guard. Via ESPN:

“So who is aware of — this will likely linger, it could be all behind us like we thought it was earlier than the sport,” Nash stated. “However it’s simply a kind of issues the place the scan is clear, the energy checks are clear however he feels one thing, so we’ll err on the facet of warning.”

Harden has been a particularly sturdy participant all through his profession, and infrequently rejected makes an attempt to have him relaxation down the stretch when he was taking part in for the Houston Rockets, even when he was coping with nagging accidents. The truth that he does not really feel snug battling by means of this hamstring concern is an effective indication of how a lot it’s affecting him. 

The excellent news is that as Nash indicated, there is no main diagnostic concern that will ship Harden to the sidelines for an prolonged interval. Possibly they’re going to be with out him for a number of weeks, however not less than for now there isn’t any indication that he will not be absolutely match for the playoffs, and that is actually all that issues for Brooklyn. Additionally, Kevin Durant is close to returning, which might give Brooklyn the added luxurious of taking its time with Harden.

Sure, they’re locked in a seeding battle with the Philadelphia 76ers for the highest spot within the East, and residential courtroom will matter once more now that the playoffs aren’t being contested in a fan-less bubble. However the Nets would a lot reasonably have their huge three wholesome than declare the No. 1 seed and go into the playoffs with Harden, Durant and Kyrie Irving banged up. They’ve sufficient expertise to the place they’ll overcome any potential homecourt drawback.