Clippers Availability Report: Will James Harden Play Tonight?vs?Lakers?

James Harden finally got himself placed in his dream club, the Clippers. He was having a rough time at the Sixers and reportedly did not practice with the team on most occasions. Finally, the Clippers managed to grab ‘The Beard’ in the season-opening blockbuster trade.

The fact that Harden was unhappy with the Sixers’ management is nothing new and has been going on for months. His catfight with the Sixers, President Daryl Morey, was a major concern and created tensions within the team, especially among the youngsters. The trade, on the other hand, benefitted the Clippers. It adds more strength to their already strong roster.

But, will the ten-time All-Star start for the Clippers against the Los Angeles Lakers?

Harden unlikely to start against the Lakers

Harden missed his training for the Philadelphia 76ers. He did not even start for them in the opening three matches. This raises a big question in his game-form. As the popular saying goes, match practice is the ultimate practice. That being said, nobody is raising questions regarding his capability. He can undoubtedly turn games at will for any team.

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In an X post shared by Shams Charania, things get a bit clearer. He opens up to answer a question regarding Harden’s playing tonight.

His Sixers teammate, veteran P.J.Tucker? also joined the Clippers along with him. The Clippers will have a four-day rest after the Lakers match. It is expected that the former Sixers duo will blend in with the team a bit more before playing. Also, according to Charania, James will directly play against the New York Knicks on Monday at the Madison Square Gardens.

“The plan is for him to get practice, over the next few days, get some reps in with the team. And the target is as soon as Monday’s game, at the Gardens, against the Knicks, I think that’s the likeliest possibility,” said Charania.

Does Harden And Tucker Solve Clippers’ Issues?

The average age of the Clippers squad is slightly on the higher side with so many senior players down the line. The heartthrobs of the team, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are 32 and 33 respectively. The newly joined Harden is 34 and Tucker is 38. With so many injuries bothering the squad, it would be interesting to see how this works out for them. The Clippers management will have to do a convincing job to keep everyone fit throughout the season.

If the trade clicks right, the Clippers will be the most dangerous squad in the Western Conference. They are facing LeBron James and co. in the Battle of LA tonight. Will the Clippers finally be able to clinch their lone NBA title?

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