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DENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during warmups before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month.
Since the trade, the Cavs have looked like one of the best five teams in the NBA, going 6-1 in that span.
Harden has fit in seamless, averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists per contest while shooting 49.4% from the field and 48.8% from three-point range in those games.
James Harden Injury News Is Tough Blow For Cleveland Cavaliers
On Tuesday night, Harden and the Cavs beat the New York Knicks by a score of 109-94.
Harden finished with 20 points, two rebounds and four assists while shooting 8/18 from the field and 4/7 from three-point range in 32 minutes of playing time.
James Harden becomes the oldest player in Cavs history to record 20+ PTS with 0 FTA.
That said, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Harden suffered an injury setback.
Via Charania: “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.”
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.
Harden has been officially ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Bucks.
That said Charania, added more info after his initial report that shows it’s possible Harden could return soon.
Charania also added: “Just in on NBA Today — after hand specialist evaluation, Cavaliers star James Harden plans to play through his fractured right thumb:”
Just in on NBA Today — after hand specialist evaluation, Cavaliers star James Harden plans to play through his fractured right thumb:
Here’s what people were saying in response to Charania’s posts:
@JacksonLloyd952: “James Harden plays through EVERYTHING. In an era where stars curate and optimize their playing time and rest to (rightfully) prioritize their health, Harden is out there every other night all season long. That’s what’s insane about his production; he doesn’t do it playing 30 minutes a game 60 times a year, it’s 35 MPG + 75 games a year.”
@big_business_: “I’m so hurt, James Harden deserves a ring He changed the culture of the Cleveland Cavaliers and gets injured It shouldn’t happen like this to the greatest player of our time, he changed the lives of Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen James Harden I will pray for you @Ahindehezekiah: “It is not a good idea for his him to continue to play with fractured right thumb”@The_Land_CLE: “I’ve never gone from hating a player(before he was on the Cavs of course) to loving a player so fast”@statcenter: “Jimmy Harden might be the most “play through everything” star in the modern NBA, and man I love that about him”
For the entire 2025-26 season, Harden has averages of 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.
The future Hall of Famer has also spent time with the LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, OKC Thunder, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers over 17 legendary seasons.
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.
Right now, the Cavs are the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 37-22 record in 59 games.
They have gone 8-2 over their last ten games.
Following the Bucks, the Cavs will play their next game on Friday when they visit Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons in Michigan.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – FEBRUARY 22: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Isaiah Joe #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on February 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
The Cavs lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
They last won a title during the 2016 season with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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