The Brooklyn Nets look set to regain superstar guard James Harden on the eve of the postseason.
ESPN's Malika Andrews has reported that the former MVP is likely to be a game-time decision for the game against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday morning.
As @wojespn reported on SportsCenter, the earliest date that James Harden may return for the Nets is Wednesday against the Spurs — that isn’t a certainty, but Harden is getting close to returning.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) May 10, 2021
Harden has missed the last 18 games, originally suffering a hamstring injury on April 5, before suffering a setback on April 19.
The welcome news comes on the back of fellow superstar Kyrie Irving leaving the Nets latest game with a face contusion. The injury to Irving continues a run of bad luck, that has remarkably seen the big three of Harden, Irving and Kevin Durant suit up for just seven games together.
Harden was forcing his way into the MVP conversation prior to the injury, averaging 25.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game across 34 appearances with the franchise after being traded from the Houston Rockets.
The Nets are only "scary hours" with James Harden.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 5, 2021
27-7 with him since the trade.
9-10 without him. pic.twitter.com/RzFfLy7ELB
The Nets possess a 27-7 record with Harden in the lineup, which would be good for a 57-win pace across an entire 72-game season. Brooklyn is currently 45-24 with three games to play.
Currently second in the Eastern Conference, the Nets sit one game clear of Milwaukee, which could prove critical in a potential second-round series against the Bucks. Brooklyn finish the regular season with games against the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers, all at home.
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