59 games into season, Rockets may finally be at full strength for first time

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts on the bench with three fouls during the first quarter in a 111-106 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) less LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts on the bench with three fouls during the first quarter in a 111-106 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on ... more Photo: Harry How/Getty Images Photo: Harry How/Getty Images Image 1 of / 38 Caption Close 59 games into season, Rockets may finally be at full strength for first time 1 / 38 Back to Gallery

With James Harden and Iman Shumpert cleared to play on Monday, the Rockets had no players out with injuries for the first time this season.

Harden, coming back from a strained neck, said he is still a game-time decision, depending on how he responds to Monday's workout.

"I don't know," Harden said of his chances to play after missing Saturday's game against the Warriors. "It's my first time dribbling a basketball in three days. We'll see. I feel better. Every day I've gotten better."

Harden said he ran into a teammate on a screen in practice Wednesday in Los Angeles. He scored 30 points with six rebounds and six assists the next day, but was playing in pain and with the flu.

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"I wasn't really able to move my neck," Harden said. "It affected me, not just basketball, but day-to-day in life, walking around. It was frustrating. We got a big-time win. Things went well.

"It (the win against the Warriors) was beautiful, man, beautiful. Guys really got after it defensively, offensively looked great. Guys stepped up. I can name each and every guy stepped up offensively or defensively. Great to see."

Asked if he thought Harden would play, Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said, "Knowing James Harden, yes. It's not written in stone, but yes."

That would make Monday's the first game of the season with no player out because of an injury.

"Coach talked about that earlier, in the film session," Harden said. "It's the first time all year we had a full roster. Even without me last game, guys looked really great. Hopefully, I can come in and contribute."

Shumpert had sat out each of the first two games after the All-Star break with a sore right knee, giving him nearly two weeks to treat and strengthen the muscles around the knee. With Harden and Shumpert available and Kenneth Faried playing as a power forward, the Rockets could have a 10-player rotation and, if Faried starts, their 18th starting lineup of the season.

"It's kind of weird because it hasn't been like that all year," forward P.J. Tucker said. "Everybody is available. I think it'll be different. Everybody will have to adjust because he needed some guys at some points of the season and sometimes not. Everybody will have to adjust minutes and the rotation. But I think it's great for our team to get everybody back and see how it's going to be.

"Having everybody will kind of put a strain on a lot of guys that have helped us out and still need. I think it's everybody getting an understanding and a feel for how it's going be with everybody healthy.

"We want to win and we know the team we can be and we want to be. Now, it's time to show it."