Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden
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James Harden continues to thrive following trade to Cleveland Cavaliers.
Since debuting for the Cleveland Cavaliers, James Harden has flashed brilliance.
Health-wise, he’s been fortunate enough not to miss any action. That could change on Wednesday, February 25, when the Cavaliers face the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to the Cavaliers’ injury report, Harden has been downgraded. He is listed as questionable due to a right thumb fracture. Although the injury description sounds severe, the Cavaliers aren’t ready to put a timeline on his setback.
What’s The Latest On James Harden’s Setback?
James Harden
GettyJames Harden is dealing with a notable setback as the Cavaliers prepare for their Feb 25 matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Via Shams Charania, ESPN: Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden sustained a fracture in his right thumb during Tuesday’s win over the New York Knicks. Harden is undergoing further evaluations and treatment.
The Cavaliers’ matchup against the New York Knicks at home on February 25 included a 32-minute showing from Harden.
During that time, the star guard shot 8-18 from the field and 4-7 from three to score 20 points for the second game in a row. Along with his scoring, Harden dished out four assists and came down with two rebounds.
The Cavaliers bounced back after a loss against the Thunder. They defeated the Knicks with a convincing 109-94 win.
The James Harden Cavs Era Is Off To A Strong Start
James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
GettyJames Harden is off to a promising start for the Cavaliers this season.
When the 2025-2026 season started, Harden was in the midst of his second full season in LA. His team was off to a rough start, which raised questions about his future. For a while, the Los Angeles Clippers didn’t signal that Harden was available.
Just days before the trade deadline, that changed. Once it was revealed that the Clippers and the Cavs were talking shop, it was clear that it was only a matter of time until Harden landed on the sixth team in his career.
More NBA News: James Harden Providing Major Confidence Boost to Cleveland Cavaliers
After Harden was surprisingly traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cavaliers ahead of the NBA trade deadline, he made his debut against the Sacramento Kings on February 7.
The Cavaliers didn’t ease Harden in. The star guard checked in for 32 minutes out of the gate, posting 23 points, eight assists, and two rebounds in a 132-126 win. Since then, Harden has appeared in seven games for Cleveland.
Throughout his first stretch with the team, Harden is making 49 percent of his shots from the field, and draining 48 percent of his threes. The former MVP is putting up 18.9 points per game, along with 4.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists.
At this stage, the Cavs are 37-22 on the year. Winning eight of their last 10 games, they are now tied with the New York Knicks, who hold the Eastern Conference’s third seed.
While Harden’s injury certainly shakes up the Cavaliers’ situation, they are seemingly confident that he could play through the injury moving forward. Soon, the Bucks will see if they’ll face the 11-time All-Star or if he’ll get his first night off since joining Cleveland.