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.
James Harden is out tonight with a bruised left thumb sustained Saturday night against the Grizzlies.
— Jason Friedman (@JasonCFriedman) January 28, 2014
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.
Francisco Garcia, Ronnie Brewer are listed as day-to-day, though it seems unlikely Garcia will be back. If both out, Rockets down to 9.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) January 28, 2014
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.