The Brooklyn Nets will now officially be without two of their starters (in addition to Kyrie Irving) for their matchup against the Houston Rockets. According to NBA correspondent Marc Stein, both Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge are sitting out of the Wednesday night game to rest.

This is big news for James Harden. It gives him the opportunity to lead the Nets and show his capabilities without his top two teammates on the court, all while doing it against his former team. Most importantly, it gives the newfound chemistry between Harden and center Nic Claxton a chance to grow. The second-year player has the potential to be an important part of the Nets' roster.

Claxton is expected to play a lot in the Nets vs. Rockets game, especially with Aldridge sitting out. Recently returning to the court after battling mononucleosis (mono), Claxton is working to prove himself on this Nets team. In their Tuesday night game against the Mavs, the 22-year-old recorded nine rebounds, six points, and one assist in 21 minutes.

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Mikal Bridges in a Pistons jersey with Cade Cunningham

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Jordi Fernandez in Brooklyn Nets gear on one side with a speech bubble that says "DPOY!", Nic Claxton on the other side

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Minnesota Timberwolves players Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards and Phoenix Suns player Kevin Durant

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This is a great time for the 17-7 Nets to rest some of their key players. They are first in the Eastern Conference and have a good enough team to take the win against the 7-16 Rockets without Durant and Aldridge. Houston is currently 13th in the Western Conference, only followed by the Thunder and Pelicans.

Though, after starting the season 1-16, the Rockets are on a six-game win streak. Harden's performance will be a testament to the outcome of Wednesday's game. If he plays well, the Nets should be able to snap the Rockets' streak.