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Brooklyn Nets star James Harden will not return in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks after suffering a right hamstring injury just seconds into the contest.
On Brooklyn’s first possession of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Harden drove to the rim and threw it out to Joe Harris in the corner. The All-Star guard immediately reached for his right hamstring in visible discomfort. THe Nets announced after the first quarter that Harden wouldn’t return.
After reaching the bench, Nets coach Steve Nash immediately called for a timeout as his star guard went straight for the locker room and never returned.
The specific injury is very concerning for Brooklyn. Harden missed more than a month this season with a right hamstring strain. The team initially hoped he would only miss a few weeks, but he later suffered a setback that sidelined him even longer.
- James Harden stats: 24.6 points per game, 10.8 assists per game, 7.9 rebounds per game in 36 contests
Harden won’t return Saturday night, giving Milwaukee a huge advantage and an opportunity to take a pivotal game in this series. The Nets will likely provide an injury update on Harden after on Sunday morning.