HoopsHype.com Rumors

Jeremy Lin: Shoutout to @JHarden13 for making All-NBA 3rd team!! Great teammate, better person, even better beard! #Godisgood Twitter

Houston Rockets, James Harden, Jeremy Lin 

It was All-Star Weekend in Houston when Dwight Howard and Chris Paul – the two prize members of the NBA free-agent class — among others were in town. The perfect time for the Rockets’ star James Harden to add recruiter to his repertoire. “I’ve built some friendships these last couple years, this summer and throughout the time playing,” Harden told the Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen. “They know what kind of person I am, how hard-working I am, knowing I want to win. I hope that becomes a factor of wanting to come to Houston and trying to win championships.” Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, James Harden 

Asked who has received his initial recruiting attention, Harden smiled broadly and said, “A couple guys.” Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, James Harden 

Darnell Mayberry: Dwyane Wade, James Harden, Paul George, David Lee and Dwight Howard made Third Team All-NBA. Twitter @DarnellMayberry

Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Dwyane Wade, Paul George, Dwight Howard, David Lee, James Harden 

Houston has become an attractive destination for Howard for several other reasons, according to a source. For starters, Howard has gotten to know the Houston area, as well as the history of the franchise, from working out with Rockets Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon two summers ago. Furthermore, the 27-year-old Howard is intrigued by the possibility of growing his game alongside a fellow All-Star in the rise in James Harden, who turns 24 in August. ESPN.com

Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, James Harden, Hakeem Olajuwon 

John Rohde: Houston coach Kevin McHale and @James Harden reached out to @Russell Westbrook after injury. No one else from #Rockets, including @Patrick Beverley. Twitter @RohdeOK

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin McHale, James Harden, Injuries, Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley 

Jonathan Feigen: James Harden: ' We finally have a team now where we don't have to worry about trades. We can grow. Guys can know their roles.' Twitter @Jonathan_Feigen

Houston Rockets, James Harden 

Jeff Zillgitt: MVP in order: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, James Harden, Russell Westbrook Twitter @JeffZillgitt

LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Tony Parker, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Tim Duncan 

Marc Stein: Asked specifically about joining Rockets' well-chronicled plans to chase Dwight Howard, Harden cracked a smile and said: "Maybe. Possibly" Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, James Harden 

Marc Stein: On way out of Toyota Center, asked if he'll be active participant in Rockets' free-agent recruiting, James Harden tells ESPN: "Hell, yeah" Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, James Harden 

Howard Chen: Harden says he feels better. That said, his voice is clearly affected by his strep throat. Sounded more scratchy today. #RedNation Twitter @ho_chenCSN

Houston Rockets, James Harden, Injuries 

Howard Chen: McHale: Delfino still needs more checking out. Will know more tonight. Harden looks a lot better today. #RedNation Twitter @ho_chenCSN

Houston Rockets, Carlos Delfino, James Harden, Injuries 

Harden made the first seven 3s he tried and Houston led by as many as 16 to win its second straight, getting halfway to becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome an 0-3 series deficit. "I just tried to go out there and give it all I had," said Harden, adding that he slept all day. "It was a win or go home, so I got some shots to fall and I just tried to not think about it." Oklahoman

Houston Rockets, James Harden 

Mark Berman: Rockets trainer Keith Jones says James Harden will play tonight despite being sick. Kevin McHale said as much this morning. Twitter @MarkBermanFox26

Houston Rockets, Kevin McHale, James Harden, Injuries 

Jonathan Feigen: Perhaps this will clear it up. Kevin McHale: "James will be fine tonight. At 8:30, I'm sure he'll be ready to go, ... excited to play." Twitter @Jonathan_Feigen

Houston Rockets, Kevin McHale, James Harden, Injuries 

Jonathan Feigen: Reporter asked Pat Beverley if Harden will "come out Willis Reed like, Michael Jordan like." Pat: "Hold on now." Again, Harden has a cold. Twitter @Jonathan_Feigen

Houston Rockets, James Harden, Injuries, Patrick Beverley 

Howard Chen: Both JLin and HARDEN are gametime decisions. Harden is feeling ill. #RedNation #NBAPlayoffs Twitter @ho_chenCSN

Houston Rockets, James Harden, Injuries, Jeremy Lin 

Evans Clinchy: James Harden was asked about his off night; he responded, "Well, I did have a double-double." Harden had 15 points and 10 turnovers. Twitter @evansclinchy

Houston Rockets, James Harden 

James Harden had an uncontested drive to the basket for a resounding dunk that gave the Rockets a 63-61 lead. That's when the Thunder went on a 13-0 run to take a double-digit lead that only grew. "We were down 15, and we could have just given up but we fought back and took the lead," Harden said. "We definitely have confidence going into Game 3." USA Today Sports

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, James Harden 

Royce Young: KD on Harden: "It was kind of awkward looking across during the national anthem seeing him on another team. But we gotta get past that." Twitter @dailythunder

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, James Harden