Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden sustained a right thumb injury during Tuesday night’s victory over the New York Knicks, leaving his status uncertain for Wednesday’s matchup.
The Cavaliers are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Wednesday evening.
Team officials announced that X-rays conducted on Wednesday revealed a “non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx” in Harden’s thumb.
Medical experts note that this particular bone is situated at the tip of the finger.
Cleveland’s medical staff indicated that the 36-year-old veteran will receive ongoing treatment while his condition is monitored.
The former league MVP from 2017-18 and six-time All-NBA first-team honoree is now playing for his sixth franchise. Cleveland obtained Harden on February 4th through a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, sending guard Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round selection in return.
Since joining Cleveland, the Cavaliers have posted a 6-1 record with Harden on the court. During his time with the team, he’s contributed 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per contest.
This season across 51 games, Harden has posted averages of 24.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.
Throughout his 17-year career spanning 1,202 games with 988 starts, the veteran guard maintains career averages of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
Selected third overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, Harden’s professional journey has included stops with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers, and now the Cavaliers.
Should Harden be unable to suit up Wednesday evening, Cleveland would be missing both starting backcourt players, as Donovan Mitchell has already been ruled out due to a right groin injury.
