Harden Expects Quick Recovery

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts for a foul as he falls on the court during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

James Harden did not finish the Houston Rockets’ 100-89 loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday due to tightness in his left hamstring.

A re-evaluation of Harden’s injury will be done on Thursday to determine its severity, but he does not expect to miss significant time.

“It’s nothing serious, nothing serious,” said the reigning MVP, who missed seven games in January of last season due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain. “It’s nothing close to last year. Just being cautious.”

Harden exited with 5:19 to play with the Rockets trailing by seven points and did not return.

The Rockets, who had the NBA’s best record at 65-17 last season, fell to 1-3. They lost both games they played without Chris Paul, who will return from suspension Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

“It’s a process,” said Harden, who had 29 points, seven assists and seven turnovers in the loss to the Jazz. “Obviously, last year was the same way. We kind of built up to being great. It’s going to be the same thing this year.”