After a rough start to the 2022-23 season, the 76ers have had to get back on track without star guard James Harden in the fold.
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.
Harden had a limp in the locker room after last night’s game (and declined to speak to the media) https://t.co/WeK2hU74qH
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) November 3, 2022
MORE: Shaquille O'Neal vs. Joel Embiid: The key stats behind two dominant big men
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.
ESPN Sources: Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden has suffered right foot tendon strain and is expected to miss a month. pic.twitter.com/LHEIucfbFj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 3, 2022
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.
Sources: Two notable injury updates:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 30, 2022
- Bucks star Khris Middleton is nearing his season debut, potentially as soon as Friday vs. Lakers.
- 76ers star James Harden is targeting return on current three-game road trip, likely in Houston on Monday.
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:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
| Nov. 30 | at Cavaliers | 7 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 2 | at Grizzlies | 8 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 5 | at Rockets | 8 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 9 | vs. Lakers | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Dec. 11 | vs. Hornets | 6 p.m. | — |
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
