Houston Rockets’ guard James Harden out Tuesday

Jan 24, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Jan 24, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

When the Houston Rockets take the floor on Tuesday night, they will be without star guard James Harden.

He will miss the game because a bruised left thumb he injured in the Rockets’ 99-81 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Jason C. Friedman of Rockets.com.

Harden’s absence is terrible news for the Rockets, who have plenty of other injury problems at this time, explains Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle.

Harden is having another outstanding season. He’s averaging 23.7 points, 5.5 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He’s shooting 44.4% from the field, 32.1% from beyond the arc and 84.8% from the free throw.

Jeremy Lin will likely step into the starting lineup alongside Patrick Beverly in the back court. Lin is averaging 13.1 points, 4.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game.