James

Harden

Harden has dished out six assists in two straight games, the fewest he’s had over a two-game stretch since late February. However, the nature of Friday’s game had much to do with the low tally against the Nets, as the Clippers took a 36-point lead into the fourth quarter. Harden did not play during the final frame, getting a head start on his postgame recovery ahead of Sunday’s game in Cleveland. Given the opposition, fantasy managers should expect Harden to log starters’ minutes after only playing 25 in Brooklyn.

Harden took over Wednesday’s game late in the third quarter, hitting a three-point on three consecutive Clippers possessions to give the team a lead it would not relinquish. Add in the overall stat line; this was an excellent night for those who have The Beard rostered. Over the past two weeks, Harden has offered top-five value in eight- and nine-cat formats. He’s gotten the turnovers under control, committing three or fewer in four of his last five outings. Harden and the Clippers play two more games during Week 21, starting with the Nets on Friday.

Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, Harden is available and will occupy his usual place in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers can slot him into their lineups as they usually would.

Harden is dealing with a sore right foot, which he injured during Sunday’s loss to the Thunder. If he’s unable to play against the Knicks, the Clippers will have to fill a massive void in their starting lineup. Kris Dunn, already a starter, would have a higher ceiling, while Derrick Jones Jr., Bogdan Bogdanovic and Amir Coffey are potential replacements in the starting lineup. Of those three, Bogdanovic would offer the highest offensive ceiling as a starter.

Harden played 35 minutes on Sunday, which Clippers coach Tyronn Lue regretted during his postgame press conference. During the third quarter, the Beard took a Luguentz Dort knee to the left thigh and struggled to move with his usual fluidity for the remainder of the game. Following the game, Harden said the real issue is that he rolled his foot after the hit to his thigh. The good news for the Clippers is that their first game of Week 21 isn’t until Wednesday night against the Knicks. If Harden has to miss time, Kris Dunn (7/3/1/1 with one three-pointer in 19 minutes) will have a higher fantasy ceiling, while Derrick Jones Jr. (9/4/1/0/3 with two three-pointers in 26 minutes) could return to the starting lineup.

Harden seems to have turned back the clock over the past few weeks, and he is producing like the player that won an MVP Award. He has had a strong year overall, but he has cleaned up the inefficiency recently, which has taken his game to another level. He has averaged 4.4 turnovers per game this season but has only turned it over five times over his last three games. On top of that, he has shot at least 50 percent from the floor in three of his last four games. This may not stick, but it has been a big reason for the Clippers winning eight of their last nine games.

Harden struggled with his shot on Tuesday, going 5-of-18 from the field. However, a busy night at the foul line salvaged the point total, and he was also responsible for nine assists. The most impressive number may have been the zero turnovers, which is the second time he’s accomplished that feat this season. Despite averaging 4.3 turnovers per game since the All-Star break, Harden has provided top-20 value in nine-cat formats.

Harden did whatever he wanted on Sunday, averaging one point per minute while shooting 66.7 percent from the field and 100 percent from the foul line. Add in the rebounds, assists, steals and three-pointers, and this was an excellent end to Week 19 for those who have The Beard rostered. Since the All-Star break, Harden has provided top 10 value in eight-cat formats and top 20 in nine-cat. The Clippers play three games during Week 19, starting with the Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Harden has scored at least 20 points in seven straight games. The 35-year-old point guard was efficient with 25 points on 14 shots. He had recorded at least 10 assists in three straight games, but failed to get there with just seven assists against the Hawks. Harden’s fantasy value in nine-category leagues this year has been weighed down by his turnovers. He had six turnovers Friday and has had at least five turnovers in three of his last four games. Harden’s been excellent in eight-category leagues, ranking inside the top-15 since the All-Star break.

Harden struggled with his shot on Wednesday, making just 30 percent of his attempts. But he still managed to extend his streak of games with at least 20 points to six. Add in the rebounds, assists and steals, and Harden made up for the poor field-goal percentage. What also helped fantasy managers, especially those in nine-cat leagues, was that The Beard only committed three turnovers, his lowest tally in five games. The Clippers end Week 19 with games on Friday and Sunday.