Sixers’ James Harden out for Tuesday’s game against Minnesota Timberwolves with foot soreness; Tobias Harris and P.J. Tucker to return

MINNEAPOLIS — James Harden will miss Tuesday’s Sixers game at the Minnesota Timberwolves with foot soreness, while Tobias Harris (calf bruise) and P.J. Tucker (back spasms) will both return to the starting lineup after missing Monday’s win at the Indiana Pacers.

Harden’s absence comes for the finale of a five-game road trip played over the course of seven nights for the Sixers, who enter Tuesday’s matchup with a 42-22 record and in third place in the Eastern Conference. Harden, who missed about a month with a foot tendon strain earlier this season, is coming off a 20-assist, 14-point performance against the Pacers. He entered Tuesday leading the NBA in assists (10.8 per game) while also averaging 21.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

De’Anthony Melton will start in Harden’s place Tuesday night alongside Harris, Tucker, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

Harris and Tucker were both held out of Monday’s 147-143 win at Indiana after sustaining their respective injuries during Saturday’s comeback victory at the Milwaukee Bucks. In their absence, Melton moved back into the starting lineup, while Jalen McDaniels also occupied one of those spots and finished with 20 points and eight rebounds.

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Harris is averaging 15 points per game on 50.1% shooting from the floor and 38.4% from three-point range. Tucker is averaging 3.6 points and four rebounds per game and is a defensive anchor.

Following Tuesday’s game, the Sixers next play Friday at home against the Portland Trail Blazers, before hosting the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

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