Rockets' James Harden: Will not play Friday

Harden won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Spurs for rest purposes, Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis:

The Rockets are sitting out four of their projected starters for rest, with Trevor Ariza, Clint Capela and Eric Gordon also getting the night off. Look for head coach Mike D'Antoni to use this as an opportunity to take a good look at some of the younger players on the team, with both Tyler Ennis and Gary Payton in line for extended run at point guard in Harden's absence.