The Houston Rockets are hoping for a comeback from James Harden this week, as head coach Mike D’ Antoni revealed on Sunday after practice. The MVP candidate had contracted a torn muscle fibre in his right thigh.
“It could be Thursday or Saturday, I don’t know,”D’ Antoni said.”He must be getting better. We’ll see about that. Whenever he’s ready, we’ll be happy.”
Harden had changed on 31. Injured in the game against the Lakers on 12 December and missed six games since then, of which Houston was able to win four. On Monday he will miss his seventh match against the Clippers – after that Houston will have a duel this week with the Timberwolves (Thursday) and one with the Warriors (Saturday).
The Rockets had originally said that Harden should not be re-evaluated until two weeks later, but now it seems to be a bit faster. Harden has already taken part in some of the sessions again, even though he has not yet been able to complete a complete training session.
Luc Mbah a Moute will probably be available again on Monday: Luc Mbah a Moute will be back after his shoulder injury and a month’s break before his comeback. Tarik Black could also come back after problems with the eye,”Then we are finally at full strength,”said D’ Antoni.”Until then it will not be long, that’s good.”
The Rockets rank second in the Western Conference with a 30-11 record behind Golden State.