NEW YORK — James Harden will return to the Brooklyn Nets‘ lineup on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs after missing more than a month with a hamstring strain.
Still, the Nets will have to wait, once again, to see their ‘Big Three’ in action. Kyrie Irving will not play in Wednesday’s game with a facial contusion.
The decision for Harden to play was made after he warmed up in Barclay’s Center on Wednesday evening. Harden has been slowly increasing his workload over the last several days and had been scrimmaging in practice. Coach Steve Nash said he has continued to respond well to the more intense workouts.
Irving, meanwhile, was injured in the third quarter of the Nets’ game against Chicago on Tuesday night when he went up for a rebound and Nikola Vucevic inadvertently hit Irving in the face with his elbow. Irving has been cleared of a concussion, Nash said.
The Nets three stars – Irving, Harden and Kevin Durant – have played in just seven games together this season. Harden, who last played on April 5, has missed the Nets’ last 18 games. After making progress on the injury, Harden suffered a setback in his rehab on April 19, which further delayed his return.