James Harden's Updated Injury Status for Clippers vs. Hawks
After playing in 59-straight games following his trade to the LA Clippers, star point guard James Harden has missed the last two games with a left shoulder strain. Harden traveled with the Clippers on their two game road trip to Chicago and New Orleans, but did not play in either game.
The Clippers are back home on Sunday evening facing the Atlanta Hawks, and Harden was initially listed as questionable, but has since been upgraded to available. It is the same left shoulder strain that had Harden on the injury report again, but he will make his return from injury in this game.
With Russell Westbrook sidelined due a fractured left hand, the Clippers have been starting Bones Hyland at point guard in Harden's absence. Hyland had a career game against the Chicago Bulls, finishing with 17 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals, but struggled the very next night in New Orleans, scoring just 5 points on 2/9 shooting.
With Harden able to return, Hyland will likely move back to a backup point guard role, where he still could see extended minutes if the Clippers opt to ease Harden back into action. Ty Lue said pregame that the Clippers will have to manage Harden's shoulder going forward, and that could include minutes restrictions and other workload related changes.
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