Harden out for game against Spurs

Harden out for game against Spurs
December 10, 2012, 1:00 pm
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Harden: 'We'll see closer to game time'

(Brett Davis - US Presswire)

James Harden is out for Monday's game against the Spurs.

After working with trainers before the game, Harden wasn't able to go.

Kevin McHale said Harden "wasn't able to do much" during morning shootaround. Harden took it a step further, saying he didn't participate in the shootaround on Monday as the Rockets prepare to play the Spurs on Monday night. The team said he was a game-time decision.

Harden told reporters he'll ice his ankle and see how he feels closer to gametime. He said his ability to jump will decide his ability to play. He wasn't able to.

Harden hurt his right ankle when he got fouled by the Mavericks on Saturday as he was driving to the hoop. He still finished that game with 39 points, but afterward, both he and McHale talked about how his play was affected by the injury down the stretch.

Harden's coming off a strong performance not only against the Mavs, but also Friday against these same Spurs that are in town on Monday. Harden shot 10-of-16 from the field and finished with 29 points against San Antonio on a night the rest of the starting lineup shot 10-of-39.