Just nine games into the season, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden had suffered a right foot tendon strain that would sideline the 33-year-old indefinitely.
The news came after Harden took a $15 million pay cut to remain in Philadelphia and allow the franchise to become more title-ready with the flexibility to make offseason acquisitions. At training camp, Harden said he felt great physically. Through nine games, he was averaging 22.0 points, 10.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds for the Sixers, who stumbled to a 4-5 record.
What’s next for Harden? Here is what we know about his injury and when he could return to the floor for the Sixers.
What is James Harden’s injury?
Wojnarowski first reported that Harden had suffered a right foot tendon strain. The news came just one day after Harden saw 35 minutes of playing time in a loss to the Wizards.
It is unclear when exactly the injury occurred, but Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Harden was walking with a noticeable limp following the game and declined to speak with media.
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How long will James Harden be out?
Wojnarowski’s initial reporting indicated that Harden was “expected to miss a month” of action, making a return in early December likely.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania provided an update at the end of November, reporting that Harden was targeting a return against the Rockets on Monday, Dec. 5.
Last season, Harden missed six of a possible 27 games with the Sixers due to injury management of his knee and hamstring. Hamstring issues also limited Harden during his time in Brooklyn, severely impacting his lone postseason run with the Nets.
76ers schedule 2022-23
Here are Philadelphia’s next five games:
James Harden career stats, highlights
24. 9 points per game 6. 8 assists per game 5. 6 rebounds per game 44. 2 field goal percentage 36. 1 3-point field goal percentage
