UPDATE: March 26 — Harden is available to play in Friday’s game vs. the Pistons.
UPDATE: March 25 — Harden is being listed as questionable to play for Friday’s game vs. the Detroit Pistons. He was held out of the Nets’ game against the Jazz on Wednesday night due to a sore neck.
UPDATE March 24 pre-game — Harden has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game vs. the Jazz due to a stiff neck. The Beard played in Tuesday’s win and is sitting the second end of the back-to-back. So that’s no Harden, Irving or Durant for Brooklyn. This will swing things heavily in favor of the Jazz. Look to see who is starting for the Nets. Joe Harris, Bruce Brown, Tyler Johnson and Jeff Green will have some DFS value.
UPDATE: March 24 — Harden is questionable to play again Wednesday vs. the Utah Jazz. Harden was able to go in Tuesday’s win over the Blazers, scoring 25 points with 17 assists. He had a very off shooting night, going 7-of-24 from the floor and 0-of-7 from downtown.
Brooklyn Nets G James Harden is questionable to play in Tuesday’s game vs. the Portland Trail Blazers due to a sore back. The Nets announced earlier Monday that PG Kyrie Irving is away from the team to attend to a family matter and will not play in at least the next three games during the road trip. Kevin Durant is still sidelined with a hamstring injury. So the Nets could be down the entire Big 3 to start off the week.
We’re going to get a glimpse at the old school Nets team sans superstars. The thing is they are also missing Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen, so really the Nets are left with a bunch of veterans and Joe Harris. That is if Harden ends up being sidelined. The Nets play a back-to-back set though, so Harden could rest Tuesday and return Wednesday. We’ll have to see what happens throughout the day.
As for fantasy basketball options, you’d think Harris becomes the main offensive option. He can’t create as much off the dribble but is the best shooter on the team with all three All-Stars out. Jeff Green, Tyler Johnson and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot will also need to step up along with Bruce Brown. All four should get significant run.
The Harden news may impact how we approach the Blazers more. Do we expect a blowout in favor of Portland? If so, then does that mean we don’t see as much Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum? That could be the case if the game is out of hand at halftime. Normally, the Nets need at least one stud to remain a competitive team (though they’ve surprised us before). Since we have this news today, we can plan on reacting to whatever happens on Tuesday. If you can get any lines on this game in anticipation of Harden being out, go for it.