Nets' James Harden 'progressing well' from hamstring strain

James Harden will miss his sixth consecutive game on Sunday when the Brooklyn Nets take on the Miami Heat. However, Nets general manager Sean Marks said that the All-Star guard is "progressing well" from a hamstring strain, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews.

Marks added that the three-time scoring champion will need at least one or two practice days playing four-on-four or five-on-five before returning to the court. 

"Hopefully if things go smoothly, he'll be out and joining the guys in a game," Marks said. "He's met his markers up to this point, and we'll just continue to progress him along, and hopefully it's not too much longer."

Harden had been considered a favorite for the NBA's MVP award before suffering the hamstring strain. The 31-year-old is averaging 25.2 points, eight rebounds and 10.9 assists per game this season while shooting 46.3% from the field and 35.8% from deep. 

The Nets are 3-2 in their last five games in Harden's absence as Brooklyn pursues the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are currently one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers for first place.