Will James Harden Play Tonight? Latest Injury Update Ahead of Suns vs Clippers

LA Clippers are set to host Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena in a consecutive clash on the 10th. The last time the two went together, the Clippers triumphed 105-92, solidifying their playoff position. While key players were available for the victor in fetching the desired results, they missed the services of James Harden.

Now as the two teams prepare for a matchup -in what seems like a necessary one to set the pace for the post-season- the Clippers find themselves uncertain about their star point guard’s presence

James Harden’s injury status

Harden has been dealing with right foot soreness since last week. The cause initially had the former MVP on questionable in the game against the Cavaliers on Sunday but ended up being available. He then sat out against the Suns on Tuesday, without even engaging in a shoot-around. The last injury report saw him going from available to questionable and ultimately to ‘out’. Without much details on the intensity of his condition, early reports have kept Harden’s status unclear, yet one worth highly likely on the report, considering the past instances.

Harden has been a key player for the Clippers this season, averaging 16.7 points per game, and he also averages 5.2 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game. However, the clippers would not like to rush his recovery as they find themselves in a cautious position; more so, in the continued absence of Kawhi Leonard.

Currently holding onto the 4th seed in the Western Conference, the Clippers hold a good chance of securing home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. James availability for the Clippers in the playoffs would then provide them with a considerable boost.

Predicted lineups: Clippers vs Suns

The clippers have won 7 games out of their last 10, and they are on a 4 game winning streak. The team has been a balanced side throughout the season, averaging 115.9 points per game, which is 11th overall in the league while conceding 112.2 points per game, which is 10th overall in the league. This is how the Clippers could line up tonight: Norman Powell, Terrance Mann, Paul George, Ivica Zubic, and Russell Westbrook.

The Phoenix Suns on the other hand, enter the match holding onto the 7th seed in the Western Conference. They have won 6 games out of their last 10 games, and they are on a 2 game losing streak. The suns have an away record of 21-17, which is average. They have been a balanced team as well this season, averaging of 116.1 points per game, while conceding points at an average of 113.4. The Suns are having a lean patch at an important point this season and this is how the Suns could line up to bounce back: Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkić, and Grayson Allen.

As the Clippers prepare to face off against the Suns once again tonight, both teams look to grabbing a win to maintain their status in the final stretch of the regular season. Could James Harden’s availability impact the results? Let us know in the comments below.

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