James Harden Out Tonight Against Detroit

A nagging ankle injury will keep James Harden out of the lineup in tonight's game in Detroit against the Pistons.

James Harden and Jeremy Lin are both out tonight vs pistons.

— Jason Friedman (@JasonCFriedman) December 21, 2013

Harden was slowed by the ankle in last night's game against the Indiana Pacers. He was smothered by Paul George and held to a pedestrian stat line despite playing 33 minutes: 12 PT. 3 RB. 3 AST. 5 TO on 3 -14 shooting.

Expect Francisco Garcia to start alongside Patrick Beverley at guard tonight.

Jeremy Lin also remains out. He's missing his 4th straight game, his 10th absence in the last 12 games.

Lin originally sprained his knee against the Hawks at the end of November. he returned against Portland on December 12, but has since suffered from back spasms and sat out the last three games.

Lin did return to practice this week.