Is James Harden alright? Clippers coach gives concerning update ahead of 76ers matchup | NBA News
Ahead of Monday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden remains away from the team. The absence of the Los Angeles Clippers has been a subject of discussion online with concerning questions. The Clippers are coming off a dominant road win over the Phoenix Suns and have gone 4-1 over their last five games, pushing themselves into playoff contention in the Western Conference.Philadelphia arrives in Inglewood on a three-game winning streak and opens a demanding West Coast road trip. With both teams carrying postseason expectations, player availability has become a central storyline. Harden’s absence, paired with other notable roster developments, has placed added focus on the Clippers’ short-term plans and how they manage another high-profile night at Intuit Dome.
What happened to James Harden?
James Harden will miss his second straight game as he remains away from the Clippers for personal reasons. Clippers head coach Ty Lue addressed the situation briefly.“Ty Lue says James Harden is home in Phoenix for personal reasons. He doesn’t have any information beyond that,” Clippers beat writer Joey Linn shared on X.Harden also sat out Sunday’s win over Phoenix and has not traveled with the team. The veteran guard has appeared in 44 games this season and is posting his standout scoring numbers, averaging 25.4 points along with 8.1 assists per game. The Clippers expect Harden’s next opportunity to return to be Wednesday’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LA Clippers injury update ahead of 76ers matchup
The Clippers’ injury report is quite crowded. Derrick Jones Jr. continues to be sidelined with a right knee sprain and has missed time since early January. Bradley Beal and Chris Paul are still away from the team and are not expected to return this season.Without Harden, the Clippers are expected to lean heavily on Kawhi Leonard, who is not listed on the injury report after returning from a knee contusion. Leonard logged 30 minutes against Phoenix and remains central to Los Angeles’ offensive structure.
Philadelphia 76ers injury update ahead of clash with the Clippers
Philadelphia enters the game relatively stable. Joel Embiid is listed as probable due to right ankle injury management. He has played in three straight games and appeared in most of January, averaging 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 28 contests this season.Kelly Oubre Jr. is available and will be wearing a knee brace as he recovers from a left knee injury. The Sixers will be without Paul George.
