Although James Harden is dealing with a fractured hand, the Cleveland Cavaliers guard intends to play through the injury.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, surgery isn’t on the table for the 11-time All-Star. He’ll operate as day-to-day moving forward, beginning with the Cavs’ February 25 matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Cavaliers downgraded Harden to questionable for the matchup. They surprised the basketball world with his official diagnosis.
Will James Harden Play For The Cavs’ Matchup vs Bucks?
GettyJames Harden is dealing with a fractured hand. Heading into the Cavaliers-Bucks game on February 25, Harden has been ruled out for the night.
Although Harden intends to play through the injury, the Cavaliers are going to roll without him against the Bucks.
According to the Cavaliers’ official injury report, Harden has been downgraded to out for the night. It will be his first absence since joining the Cavaliers ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
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In addition to Harden, the Cavaliers will be without multiple G League players, such as Darius Brown, Tristan Enaruna, and Riley Minix. As for the injured players, the Cavs will be without Evan Mobley, Max Strus, and Donovan Mitchell.
Harden’s backcourt co-star Mitchell is dealing with a right groin strain. His setback isn’t expected to be severe.
With Harden and Mitchell out, the Cavaliers intend to start Dennis Schroder, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, and Jarrett Allen.
The Harden-Cavs Era Starts Strong
GettySince getting traded away from the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden has been thriving in his role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, alongside Donovan Mitchell.
Harden was believed to be having an All-Star-caliber season with the Los Angeles Clippers this year. Despite being viewed as contenders, the Clippers were off to a rough start. Harden continued to thrive on a personal level, and the Cavs kept their eyes on him.
Although the Clippers picked up the pace and thrived while overcoming early obstacles, the Harden era in LA was quietly wrapping up. In the days leading up to the trade deadline, the Cavaliers and the Clippers discussed a trade to swap Darius Garland and James Harden in a blockbuster deal.
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Harden left the Clippers after appearing in 44 games. He produced 25.4 points per game, while shooting 41 percent from the field and 34 percent from three. Harden also averaged 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists.
Since landing with the Cavaliers in early February, Harden has knocked down 49 percent of his shots and 48 percent of his threes to produce 18.9 points per game. Beyond his scoring, Harden is posting averages of 4.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists.
The Cavaliers are 6-1 with Harden in the lineup.
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