Yahoo Sports James Harden will reportedly play Wednesday after missing month with hamstring injury
The Brooklyn Nets will get one of their best players back Wednesday. After missing over a month due to a hamstring injury, James Harden will reportedly return to action against the San Antonio Spurs, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Nets star James Harden plans to play tonight vs. Spurs, assuming pregame warmups go smoothly, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Harden is on the cusp of his return after missing over one month with a hamstring strain.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 12, 2021
Harden has not played since April 5 due to the injury. He missed 18 games with the issue. Over that period, the Nets went 10-8. The team currently sits in second place in the Eastern Conference, just two games behind the Philadelphia 76ers.
Nets fighting for best playoff seed possible
The Nets have already clinched a playoff spot, so Harden's return comes as the team is fighting for the top seed in the East. While it's possible Brooklyn overtakes Philadelphia, it's unlikely. The Nets will play just three more games in the regular season. The team would have to win out to have a shot at taking down the 76ers.
That could take some pressure off Harden. With the Nets having clinched, Harden won't have to push himself too hard in his return. If he's not able to play a full workload Wednesday, that won't hurt the Nets much.
As great as it would be for the Nets to clinch the top spot in the East, having a fully healthy Harden for the playoffs should be the ultimate goal. Barring any setbacks Wednesday, it looks like the Nets will be at — or close to — full strength by the start of the playoffs.
That's a scary thought for their opponents.
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