Harden questionable Friday after spraining ankle; Beverley also questionable

Things could get hairy and significantly less hairy at the same time for the Houston Rockets on Friday.

The Rockets may be without superstar and MVP candidate James Harden when they take on the Brooklyn Nets, as Harden is being called questionable with a right ankle sprain, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports. Harden sprained the ankle in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, but closed out the game.

"It's pretty sore right now," he said afterward. "But get some rest tonight, ice it and get some rest tomorrow and hopefully be ready to go Friday."

Harden is yet to miss a game this season and leads the league in total minutes played, so his absence would be unfamiliar to his teammates. He's played 76 percent of the team's minutes and the Rockets have been 11 points per-100 possessions worse when he comes off the floor.

That's not surprising considering Harden's robust statistical production and improved defensive effort. In 57 games, he's averaging a league-high 27.2 points with 5.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists, with each of those representing a career best. His 27.1 player-efficiency rating is also a career-high and ranks fourth overall.

Already playing without injured center Dwight Howard, losing Harden would be a major blow, even against a struggling opponent like the Nets.

Making matters worse, point guard Patrick Beverley is also questionable due to an illness. A tenacious defender, Beverley is likewise posting career-highs across the board with averages of 10.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Should Harden and Beverley sit, Jason Terry and either Pablo Prigioni or Corey Brewer could stand to start.