Ben Margot/Associated Press

The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets played a thriller of a basketball game on Thursday night, but there may be a more concerning issue from Houston’s point of view than the 102-99 overtime loss.

Superstar guard James Harden injured his elbow in a collision with Jeremy Lin’s face late in the contest.

Yahoo's Marc Spears provided a post-game update:

Jonathan Feigen, the Houston Rockets beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, updated us on Harden’s status during the game:

Despite the collision, Harden had an excellent game against the Warriors, posting 39 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal with only two turnovers.

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

With the Western Conference as tight as it is, Houston needs its best player to be at full health as the season enters the stretch run. Less than one game separates the Rockets from the likes of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers in the loaded West.

Harden is the one who controls the ball on offense in the final moments of close games, so it is worth keeping an eye on this potential injury going forward.