Rockets' James Harden sidelined by sprained toe

NEW ORLEANS -- Houston Rockets guard James Hardenmissed his first game of the season Sunday night with a toe sprain.

"He probably could [play], but given the circumstances it's better that he doesn't," coach Mike D'Antoni said before the game. "He's banged up a little bit."

With Russell Westbrook also out (rest), the Rockets startedAustin Rivers and Eric Gordonagainst the New Orleans Pelicans, losing 127-112.

Harden played 39 minutes in Saturday's game against the Brooklyn Nets in a 108-98 win. He finished with 44 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists.

In the past three seasons, Houston is 8-7 when Harden doesn't play and the team is 17-13 without Harden in his career, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

Harden is averaging a league-leading 38.3 points per game this season.

The Rockets were also without center Clint Capela, who missed his second consecutive game with a heel injury.