Wizards

James Harden out vs. Wizards with hamstring issue

Wizards

When the Brooklyn Nets take on the Washington Wizards on Thursday, both teams will field depleted rosters. James Harden is officially listed as inactive for his fourth straight game as he continues to deal with a hamstring problem.

Harden’s absence means both teams will be without their star shooting guards. Washington announced on Tuesday that Bradley Beal will miss the remainder of the season with a left wrist injury, thus possibly throwing the Wizards’ trade deadline plans for a loop.

Thursday is the last day NBA teams can make trades for the remainder of the season. Harden has been at the center of numerous trade rumors this past week, but none have picked up more steam than a potential deal that would send him to Philadelphia and Ben Simmons to Brooklyn.

Washington, however, does not appear likely to trade Beal before the deadline. They can offer him potentially the biggest contract in NBA history this summer and continue to develop young talent around him for the rest of this season. Other names like Montrezl Harrell and Davis Bertans, though, are potential trade candidates given their contract status.

Brooklyn will still be able to suit up Kyrie Irving, the team’s controversial star point guard, for Thursday’s contest in D.C. Irving’s vaccination status has resulted in his ineligibility to play in home games in New York due to the state’s COVID-19 vaccine requirements. Washington is in need of a win as they’ve lost eight of their last nine.

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