James Harden injury update: Rockets star to return Thursday vs. Timberwolves

James Harden is back.

The five-time All-Star has been sidelined for a little over two weeks with a hamstring injury, but coach Mike D'Antoni announced Harden will start Thursday night against the Timberwolves.

Harden, averaging 23.3 points, 9.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game this season, scored 40 points with 11 assists in his last game — a 148-142 win over the Lakers on New Year's Eve.

The Rockets are 4-3 in Harden's absence, and they will be without Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green against Minnesota after the NBA suspended them two games for entering the Clippers' locker room after Monday night's game.

Harden is expected to be on a 20-25-minute limit Thursday. The Rockets then play the Warriors on Saturday in a matchup between the best two teams in the Western Conference.