The Los Angeles Clippers are set to face the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
On the morning of the matchup, the Clippers didn't anticipate a potential absence for their star guard, James Harden. However, they downgraded the sharpshooter hours before tip-off.
The official NBA injury report marked Harden's setback as shoulder soreness. It's a rare occurrence for Harden to be on the injury report for LA this season.
Will James Harden Face the Warriors?
Harden will end up missing time on Monday night. While his setback doesn’t seem severe, it will be enough to keep him off the floor for the Clippers.
This season, Harden has missed just two matchups for the Clippers. In the 32 games he's played, the veteran star has been shooting 43 percent from the field and knocking down 35 percent of his threes.
Harden is posting averages of 25.7 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds.
Last season, Harden was back in the All-Star game for the first time since 2022. It was evident that at 35, he remained one of the top guards in the game. One year older, and Harden is still thriving for the Clippers, having his best run with them yet.
Unfortunately, the Clippers have struggled to keep up as a team this year. Heading into Monday's action, the Clippers hold a 12-22 record, which ties them with the rebuilding Utah Jazz.
A recent hot streak of six-straight wins helped the Clippers establish a better identity, but the early damage is still done. They have a lot of catching up to do as the new year approaches.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are looking to build a small winning streak. After taking down the Jazz over the weekend, the 19-17 Warriors are still trying to find their own identity as a team.
The Clippers and the Warriors are set for a 10 PM ET tip on Monday.
Harden’s next chance to play will be on Wednesday, when the Clippers face the New York Knicks.
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