Sixers star James Harden targeting Monday’s game against Houston Rockets as return date
Harden, who has missed nearly a month with a strained tendon in his right foot, would get to practice with teammates in Houston before coming back against his former team.
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CLEVELAND — After being sidelined for nearly a month with a strained tendon in his right foot, 76ers star James Harden has a targeted return date set: Monday night against the Houston Rockets, a league source confirmed.
The point guard is scheduled to meet the team in Texas, where the Sixers will conclude their three-game road trip, the source said. The source added that Harden is eager to return to play.
The Sixers (12-9) began the trip Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. They’ll face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at the FedEx Forum.
The team is scheduled to be in Houston for two days before facing the Rockets (5-15). That will give Harden, who maintains a residence in Houston, two days to practice with teammates before the game.
Wednesday’s game against the Cavaliers (13-8) was the 13th game Harden has missed with the injury.
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The perennial All-NBA player suffered the injury against the Washington Wizards on Nov. 2. He is averaging 22.0 points, 10.0 assists, and 7.0 rebounds in nine games.
The game in Houston will be a homecoming for Harden and teammates P.J. Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell, who all played for the Rockets. Harden is one of the team’s all-time best players. He won the 2018 MVP award and garnered three scoring titles during his nine seasons in Houston.
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It makes since for the Sixers to pick Monday as his return date. The struggling Rockets are a favorable matchup for Harden. He’ll also be able to rest afterward, as the Sixers will be off for three days before starting a seven-game homestand on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Sixers must reintegrate Harden on a team that had gone, in his absence, 8-4 in the first 12 games, but have won seven of their last nine. While Philly posted impressive wins without him, Harden’s presence would be a lift for an offense that ranked 18th in efficiency as of Tuesday.
But the Sixers must maintain the solid ball movement they displayed without the ball-dominant Harden. He also needs to find a better rhythm with All-Star center Joel Embiid after their pairing looked out of sync in their six games together this season.