Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden intends to remain in the lineup while managing a fracture in his right thumb, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday.
Team medical staff sent the left-handed veteran to a hand specialist, who determined that surgery is unnecessary. Treatment over the coming days will focus on pain management, according to the report.
Harden is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s road game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers have already ruled out Donovan Mitchell (groin) and Evan Mobley (injury management) for rest.
Cleveland is 37-22 and tied for third place in the Eastern Conference following Tuesday’s home victory over the New York Knicks. Since acquiring Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 6, the club has gone 6-1 and has won 13 of its last 15 overall.
In seven games with the Cavaliers, Harden is averaging 18.9 points and 8.0 assists while shooting efficiently across the board. Head coach Kenny Atkinson credited the former MVP for stabilizing the roster and boosting the team’s confidence.
“We’ve got a few more notches to get to,” Harden said Tuesday, stressing the importance of defense and focus as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Source: Hoops Wire
