Nash: Harden sits vs. Utah to ‘protect him from himself’

The Nets’ Big 3 was pared down to a Big Zero, with the Nets ruling James Harden out of Wednesday’s ugly 118-88 loss in Utah largely to protect him from himself.

After suffering a neck injury Sunday, Harden had been very much in doubt right through pregame warm-ups Tuesday in Portland before eventually suiting up. But questionable again a day later against the Jazz, the Nets sat him in hopes of keeping him healthy for Friday in Detroit — and beyond.

“I’m hoping it’s short term,” coach Steve Nash said. “To be honest, I’m sure James would’ve wanted to play [in Utah]. But he’s not. I don’t think it’s safe for him to play, and I think sometimes you have to protect him from himself. He’s such a warrior and competitor and loves to play.

“But he was questionable for [Tuesday], played a ton of minutes. You could see it was tough for him shooting the ball, but he still obviously dominated in other ways. But I think [Wednesday] it was the smartest and safest decision to protect him from himself and take him out of the lineup because he’s struggling. It’s pretty sore. I hope that he’ll be back next game, but we’ll have to see day by day here.”

Harden dominated Portland with 25 points and 17 assists Tuesday, but shot just 7 of 24 — and 0 of 7 from deep. It continued a worsening trend. Harden shot 48.4 percent in the first half of the season, and 40.1 percent from 3, but he has seen those dip to 38.8 percent and 15.4 percent in the second. It begs the question of whether fatigue and the neck injury have taken their toll on his shot.

“I’m sure it’s affected it a little. … He hasn’t shot the ball well since the break,” said Nash, who hoped Harden could return Friday, but added that will depend on how his sore neck responds on Thursday’s off-day and on Friday as well. “He’s still played great and been dominant, but the neck hasn’t helped that in any way. But we had to protect him from himself. He still wants to try to play.

“I’m telling you, he’s sore. The problem with playing when you’re not right is what else can go wrong. So it’s just a dangerous situation. He’s been struggling with this thing, and it’s really important that we protect him.”

➤ Blake Griffin (left knee) is expected to play Friday at the Pistons, the team that bought him out.

➤ Nash didn’t expect Landry Shamet (ankle) to join the team in Detroit, but wouldn’t rule it out . ... Trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m.