James Harden will miss his sixth consecutive game on Sunday when the Brooklyn Nets take on the Miami Heat. However, Nets general manager Sean Marks said that the All-Star guard is “progressing well” from a hamstring strain, according to ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
Marks added that the three-time scoring champion will need at least one or two practice days playing four-on-four or five-on-five before returning to the court.
“Hopefully if things go smoothly, he’ll be out and joining the guys in a game,” Marks said. “He’s met his markers up to this point, and we’ll just continue to progress him along, and hopefully it’s not too much longer.”
Harden had been considered a favorite for the NBA’s MVP award before suffering the hamstring strain. The 31-year-old is averaging 25.2 points, eight rebounds and 10.9 assists per game this season while shooting 46.3% from the field and 35.8% from deep.
The Nets are 3-2 in their last five games in Harden’s absence as Brooklyn pursues the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are currently one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers for first place.
