Hamstring sidelines Houston's Harden

Houston Rockets guard James Harden will miss at least two NBA games with a hamstring strain after scans revealed the extent of the injury.

Harden was diagnosed with a grade one-plus left hamstring strain after the league's reigning MVP exited Houston's 100-89 loss to Utah midway through the fourth quarter on Wednesday after scoring 29 points.

He will miss home games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday and the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday and then be re-evaluated before the Rockets leave for a five-game road trip while begins in Brooklyn on November 2.

Harden has a history of leg issues, he missed seven games with a grade two hamstring strain last season.

Through four games this campaign, the 29-year-old is averaging 28.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 36.0 minutes per game.

Small forward James Ennis will also miss two games with a right hamstring strain, he will also be assessed before the road trip.