Harden, Millsap, Carter clear protocols before Nets' X-mas game

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden, Paul Millsap, Jevon Carter clear protocols before Nets' Christmas game

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 12/23/21

The Brooklyn Nets may be able to dress a full team on Christmas Day after all as multiple sources reported Wednesday night that James Harden, Paul Millsap and Jevon Carter all cleared COVID health and safety protocols and are expected to travel with the team to Los Angeles to play the Lakers this weekend.

Steve Nash said the Nets have the eight available players needed to play Saturday. Doesn’t expect anyone else currently in protocol to come out before the Laker game.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) December 23, 2021

The Nets have had their last three games, including Thursday's tilt against the Trail Blazers, postponed due to a league-high 10 players being put into health and safety protocol, leaving Brooklyn without a full roster.

Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre' Bembry, Bruce Brown, James Johnson and Day'Ron Sharpe were added to the protocol between Dec. 14 and Dec. 18, per ESPN, and are not expected to be available for Saturday's game. Kyrie Irving, who has yet to play this season because he doesn't meet New York vaccination requirements, also tested positive for COVID-19 and is in the protocol.

"We are not expecting anyone else to come out of protocols but it is possible," coach Steve Nash told the media on Thursday. "I think you have to do two negative tests 24 hours apart. I guess that gives us to tonight and tomorrow night to return two negatives but we are not predicting anybody to come out necessarily."

Nash also added the Nets have recalled a few G League players to help fill out the roster.

The Nets are expected to fly to Los Angeles on Friday.

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