James Harden leaves preseason game after suffering knee injury

Houston Rockets star guard James Harden suffered a right knee contusion in the first half of Sunday’s preseason game against the Orlando Magic.

Featuring shooting guard James Harden, the Houston Rockets remain one of the top contenders in the Western Conference in the upcoming season. The extent of his injury is unknown. According to Feigen, Harden didn’t look to be in pain while walking around the locker room, so it appears there’s little reason to be fearful of a serious injury. Clint Capela picked up 7 rebounds and four points in 21 minutes.

Also available for the Rockets this season are key bench players including Donatas Motiejunas, who will back-up the forward spots; Corey Brewer, who will spell Ariza at the 3-spot or even the 2-guard spot; and veteran guard Marcus Thornton. Harden was injured in second quarter – leaving the game with a bruised knee.

Harden finished second in the National Basketball Association MVP voting last season, averaging 27.4 points and seven assists per game. The Magic game was Harden’s third preseason game so far. So those 12 possessions, instead of getting a shot for myself or one of my teammates, I’m giving an extremely talented Golden State offensive team extra possessions.