Getty
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome on January 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lately, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been dealing with concerns regarding their star backcourt members, James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
Both players have been present on the injury report throughout the week, and that remains the case on March 1.
Going into the Sunday matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, Harden was listed as questionable on the Cavaliers’ injury report. Earlier this week, the star guard was diagnosed with a right thumb fracture.
While fractures tend to lead to surgical procedures, Harden won’t be taking that route. All signs are pointing to Harden playing through the pain. However, he hasn’t been on the court since the diagnosis was revealed.
Will James Harden Face The Nets?
Harden has been upgraded on the injury report, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. He is available to face one of his former teams.
Michael Scotto
Sources: James Harden will play today in his return to Barclays Center against the Brooklyn Nets. Harden recently suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb and missed the last two games.
When the Cavaliers paid a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on February 25, Harden was ruled out for the first time since he joined the Cavaliers through the trade market.
Without Harden and Donovan Mitchell on the court, the Cavaliers suffered a 118-116 loss against the shorthanded Bucks.
Two nights later, the Cavaliers would pay a visit to the Detroit Pistons. A shorthanded Cavs team put up a good fight against the Eastern Conference’s top team, sending the game into overtime to settle the score. Unfortunately for the Cavs, they got so far just to come up short.
The Cavaliers lost to the Pistons 122-119.
Cleveland understands that Mitchell won’t be on the court on Sunday. He was ruled out on the initial injury report.
More Cavaliers News: NBA Rumors: ‘Stunted’ Growth Has Star Big Men on Trade Wish Lists
They could use Harden back in the fold as they look to climb out of a two-game hole.
Fortunately, they’ll have him on the court once again.
The James Harden Era Starts Hot
GettyJames Harden before one of his few matchups with the Cleveland Cavaliers following the trade away from the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ decision to cut ties with Harden came as a shock.
Despite struggling throughout the first stretch of the year, the Clippers made it known they weren’t shopping the 11-time All-Star. When February rolled around, that was no longer the case.
The Cavaliers and the Clippers swapped star guards. Darius Garlans joined a Clippers team that remains centered around Kawhi Leonard, but could change directions soon.
Harden lands on the Mitchell-led Cavs, who are hoping to contend for an NBA championship this year.
Related Cavaliers Story: Cavs Reveal Donovan Mitchell’s Final Injury Status Ahead of Nets Game
Through his first seven games with the Cavs, Harden has thrived. The veteran guard has been knocking down 49% of his field goals and drilling 48% of his threes to average 18.9 points per game.
Beyond his scoring, Harden has averaged 8.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and nearly one steal per game.
The Cavaliers will continue their 2025-2026 run with a 3:30 PM ET tip against the Nets. They’ll return to their home court on Tuesday, March 3, to host the Pistons for a rematch.