Nets superstar James Harden still isn’t close to returning from a hamstring injury that has forced him to miss 11 straight games, Brian Lewis writes for the New York Post. Harden has taken minor steps in his recovery, but hasn’t done any high-intensity work.
“He’s here with us traveling,” coach Steve Nash said of Harden. “He was shooting (Tuesday) morning and just starting to build up what his capacity is. He’s not doing any high-intensity stuff, but he’s shooting and doing all his strength and rehabilitation work.
“So positive signs there, but still, I think, a ways to go.”
Despite dealing with injuries throughout the season, Brooklyn currently holds the best record in the Eastern Conference at 42-20. The team will be seeking its fourth straight win in a road game against the Pacers on Thursday night.
There’s more from the Atlantic Division today:
- Anthony Olivieri of ESPN.com details the Knicks‘ secret pursuit of Bulls legend Michael Jordan during his playing days. Jordan ultimately bypassed joining New York, spending 13 seasons with Chicago and two seasons with Washington.
- Knicks guard Alec Burks has rejoined the team after a stint in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the club announced on social media. Burks has averaged 12.6 points, 4.5 rebounds in 44 contests (25.8 MPG) this season, but has missed the team’s last six games.
- Raptors center Khem Birch has fit in well with his new club in limited time, Eric Koreen of The Athletic writes. Birch most recently finished with 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks in a win over the Cavaliers, playing well on both ends of the floor. “He’s been a good factor here,” coach Nick Nurse said postgame. “I thought he was solid, too, defensively. I can remember maybe one double-team he went a little too quick on that they cut back door on us, but other than that, he was pretty mistake-free down there, too. So good game for him. He’s stringing ’em (together), playing well.”
As long as KD stays healthy they shouldn’t need Harden until the 2nd round or ECF.
My message to the fans of top 10 teams
Be like a man
Beat the Nets when their Big Three are healthy
Nets not beating Knicks without Harden. Even with Harden it will go at least six. The Garden will be too pumped for anything else. I’d love to see the Nets in 2nd rd.
Ok, calm down there Knickerbocker Al. Knicks have been my team from the time I was six, and no other team in any professional sports means as much to me as they do. That said, I’m also reasonable. The Knicks will not beat the Nets in a best of seven with two or three of the Nets big three in the lineup. Literally two and potentially all three of Harden, Durant and Irving would need to be out for the Knicks to beat them this year.
I am as pumped as you at how the season has gone, but let’s be real. Nets are much closer to contending right now than the Knicks are. A great offseason from NY might shrink the gap, but temper expectations for now.
I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time too. If Knicks make it to the second round and lose in 5 to Nets I’ll be thrilled.
Knicks have played Nets well when they have been down. One of their big Noise guys. Last gm lost by 2, 3/15 lost by 5, 1/13 lost by 7, And Harden or one of them probably won’t play at least a gm or two. Cause that’s what it’s been all yr. So without Harden they are not winning. They are overconfident and will overlook Knicks. We got nothing to lose. This will be our Finals. I believe Knicks will be pumped. Garden will be pumped. And they will be arrogant enough to think by showing up they will win. I believe we got a good shot. Knicks have been one of best teams is second half. We got nothing to lose. They will go for it. Why not
Harden translation = he discovered Scores in Manhattan.