NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star James Harden has been upgraded from out to questionable and "plans to play" in Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks, according to multiple reports.
The latest came from ESPN's NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, who tweeted just before 7 p.m. that James Harden will play in Game 5, citing sources.
Wojnarowski reported earlier in the day that Harden's status was "questionable."
James Harden will play in Game 5, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2021
Nets upgraded James Harden to questionable for Game 5 tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2021
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Harden "plans to play" in Game 5 against the Bucks Tuesday night. Wojnarowski similarly reported Harden was "determined" to play.
Nets‘ James Harden plans to play tonight in Game 5 vs. Milwaukee barring a setback in pregame warmups, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. He’s been upgraded to questionable.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2021
Kyrie Irving's status as of now appears to be unchanged - he will be out for Game 5, as the Nets announced Monday.
Nets Head Coach Steve Nash said Monday that Irving had an MRI test for a sprained right ankle and does not have an idea if Irving will be able to return to the series.
Irving was named Rookie of the Year after being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2011 NBA draft. He won the NBA championship with the team in 2016. He joined the Nets in 2019.
Harden was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2018. He joined the Nets in 2020, with whom he was named to his ninth consecutive All-Star game.
The Bucks and Nets face off for Game 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. They are tied in the series.
The betting line in Vegas currently favors the Bucks to win Game 5 by 3 points, per ESPN's latest odds.
