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CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to a game against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
On Sunday afternoon, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be at Barclays Center to play the Brooklyn Nets in New York.
The Cavs are coming off a 122-119 loss to the Detroit Pistons (in overtime).
After an incredible start to his tenure with the Cavs, James Harden has missed each of the previous two games.
Cavs Make James Harden Announcement Ahead Of Nets Game
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to a game against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Before Sunday’s game with Brooklyn, the Cavs announced an update on Harden.
He will be listed as questionable.
@TheCavsJack wrote: “#Cavs James Harden (Finger) and Keon Ellis (Finger) are both QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Donovan Mitchell (Groin), Dean Wade (Ankle), and Max Strus (Foot) remain OUT. Everyone else is available.”
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of the game at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
Harden had started the 2025-26 season with the LA Clippers.
He was traded to the Cavs (for Darius Garland) earlier this month.
On the year, the 2018 MVP is averaging 24.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range in 51 games.
Over seven games with the Cavs, Harden has gone 6-1 (when he plays).
Bleacher Report wrote (on February 25): “James Harden sustained a right thumb fracture in Tuesday’s game against New York, the team announced. He will undergo further evaluations for treatment and is listed as questionable tonight vs. Milwaukee.”
Bleacher Report
James Harden sustained a right thumb fracture in Tuesday’s game against New York, the team announced.
He will undergo further evaluations for treatment and is listed as questionable tonight vs. Milwaukee.
Cleveland Cavaliers Right Now
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles on the bench during warmups before the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
The Cavs come into Sunday’s showdown with the Nets as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 37-24 record in 61 games.
They are in the middle of a two-game losing streak (and have won just three out of their last ten).
Following the Nets, the Cavs will play their next game on Tuesday when they return home to host the Pistons.
Jeff Stotts wrote (on February 25): “James Harden Injury News: The thumb is made up of 2 phalanges. Harden’s break involves the distal phalanx (tip of the thumb) & is non-displaced. This is a best case scenario for a quick return. Players to suffer this injury & avoid surgery miss an average of 6.5 games (~17 days).”
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warm up prior to a game against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
On the other side, the Nets are a team that is currently in rebuilding mode.
They come into the day as the 14th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 15-44 record in 59 games.