James Harden misses game for Brooklyn Nets with thigh contusion

NEW YORK -- James Harden sat out theBrooklyn Nets' 149-146 loss to theWashington Wizards on Sunday with a thigh contusion.

Harden's absence came two days after Kevin Durant rested in the Nets' last game, a 147-125 win over the Oklahoma City Thunderon Friday.

Sunday's game was the first Harden has missed since he was traded fromHoustonto Brooklyn in mid-January. Harden has played an average of 39.9 minutes per game since signing with the Nets.

Coach Steve Nash has said that ideally, the Nets' big three of Harden, Durant and Kyrie Irving will be able to avoid playing high-30s or 40-minute games. Durant is averaging just under 37 minutes per game. Irving is averaging 35.5 minutes per game.

The Nets are 6-2 with Harden. The All-Star guard is averaging 24.3 points, 11.8 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game for Brooklyn.