Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been upgraded to “out” for Friday’s game against the LA Clippers with a Grade 1-plus hamstring strain.
Man, the Houston Rockets guards really have a thing for dodging the LA Clippers. First, Chris Paul gets in his annual fight with Rajon Rondo. Next thing you know, James Harden goes and nearly tears his hamstring just to avoid the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
No, in all honesty, it’s unfortunate that Harden won’t be able to play against the Clippers on Friday. After defeating the Rockets on Sunday without Paul, it would have been interesting to see how LA fared against Houston at full strength. Unfortunately, it seems like we’re going to have to wait until April to see how these two teams really stack up.
According to the Houston Rockets, Harden suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of last night’s matchup with the Utah Jazz, a game the Rockets lost, 100-89. It was initially reported that Harden was doubtful for Friday’s contest with hamstring tightness, but upon further testing, an MRI revealed a more severe injury.
There are three grades to hamstring injuries, and other injuries that involve some sort of muscular/joint tearing. Grade 1 means there is no tearing, Grade 2 is a slight tear, and Grade 3 is a complete tear — and by far the most severe.
Harden’s injury is a Grade 1+, which indicates a mild strain and minor loss of function. It isn’t specifically a Grade 1 or Grade 2 strain, since Harden’s particular injury includes parts of each designation.
Expect Eric Gordon to start in Harden’s place, similar to how he and Harden started when Paul was out because of his suspension.
Rockets forward James Ennis III is also out with a Grade 2 strain, which he suffered against the LA Clippers. Expect P.J. Tucker to get the start in his place instead.
In related news, Paul will return on Friday for the Rockets, his first game back since he and Rondo were suspended for their fight last Saturday. It will be LA’s first look at Paul this season, and the first since March 2018.
The LA Clippers can expect a slightly easier opponent now that Harden will be sidelined, but should still anticipate a tough battle. The score of Sunday’s game reflected a closer game than was actually played, but LA must still be weary of the high-powered Rockets.
The Clippers will face off with the Houston Rockets tomorrow night at 5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST from the Toyota Center.