James Harden out vs. Wizards with thigh contusion

Harden is dealing with a thigh contusion and will not play, the Nets announced. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Nets' James Harden ruled out against Wizards with thigh contusion

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Jan 31, 2021 1:54 PM ET

The Brooklyn Nets will try for their fifth straight win on Sunday when they take on the Washington Wizards. However, they'll have to do so without James Harden.

The three-time scoring champion is dealing with a thigh contusion and will not play, the Nets announced early Sunday afternoon. Brooklyn will also be without recently signed Iman Shumpert and Nic Claxton. Spencer Dinwiddie was ruled out for the season after partially tearing his ACL.

Nets @HSpecialSurgery Status Report for tonight's game vs. the Wizards: pic.twitter.com/HbGU2Pi8vt
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 31, 2021

Over eight games with the Nets, Harden is averaging 24.3 points, 11.8 assists and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 48.4% from the field and 40% from deep.

The presence of Harden has helped propel the Nets into second place in the Eastern Conference. However, Brooklyn could very well hold that position without the 31-year-old because of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

After facing the Wizards, the Nets will take on the Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers later in the week.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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