James Harden returns to Rockets' lineup versus Bulls

CHICAGO -- James Harden returned to the Houston Rockets' starting lineup Saturday night against the Bulls after missing three games because of a strained left hamstring.

The NBA MVP last season, Harden has appeared in four games and leads Houston with an average of 28.5 points.

He was injured near the end of a home loss to theUtah Jazzon Oct. 24, and Houston was routed in the next two games.

The Rockets beat theNetsin Brooklyn 119-111 on Friday night as Harden got an extra day of rest.

Houston guard Eric Gordon was held out of Saturday's game with an abductor strain, suffered at Brooklyn.