Steve Kerr sees similarities between James Harden, Joe Dumars

Coming up with a historical comparison for James Harden, however, is a tricky proposition. Unlike other throwback-style players, who rely on intellect more than supreme athleticism, Harden has almost no midrange game. Before Friday night's Warriors-Rockets matchup at Toyota Center, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr provided an intriguing comparison for Harden. Though similar in strength and savviness, Dumars and Harden are hardly obvious parallels. Dumars never averaged more than 23.5 points, 5.7 assists or 2.8 rebounds in a season. Harden's eye-popping averages — 28.9 points, 11.6 assists and 8.3 rebounds — have put him ahead in the MVP race of even Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, who is on pace to become the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double. Rockets power forward Ryan Anderson, who was listed as questionable with flu-like symptoms, is expected to play Friday. Kerr's staff has mapped out a new-look substitution pattern with center David West out at least two weeks with a thumb injury.