"James Harden's strained hamstring will sideline him two to four weeks, time the rookie shooting guard says he'll use to watch and learn, to get better while benched.

"It's one of those things where I could take this time to rest and just get back and healthy and as soon as I get back just come with that energy," Harden said.

Harden landed awkwardly on his right leg after driving to the basket Wednesday against New Orleans. Harden said he tried to balance himself but his knee bent backward while his body lunged forward. Harden remained in the game but played just 14 minutes, his fewest since Dec. 31.

It's the Thunder's first significant injury this season. Of the team's top six players in minutes played, only center Nenad Krstic missed a game before Harden sat out Friday's game with New Jersey.

"I want to play, but it's what's best," Harden said. "We still got another month and a half to go and it's probably going to be important. As long as I'm getting the right treatment and doing the right things that the trainers ask me to do, then I'll be fine.""