The 2022-23 NBA season has been a tough one thus far for the Philadelphia 76ers. They have gotten out of the gates slowly, starting the season 4-5 as they have some things to iron out with some new faces in the lineup. Things are going to get even tougher for the next few weeks as they are set to be without former MVP, James Harden.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Harden has suffered a right foot tendon strain. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for at least a month, leaving a huge hole in the 76ers’ rotation.
Harden was playing some good basketball to start the season as he looked like the old version of himself. He had some huge performances in the early going, helping keep the team afloat as Joel Embiid has been sidelined as well.
Injuries have been troublesome for Harden in the last few years. He has struggled with hamstring issues going back to the 2021 postseason, which lingered into the 2021-22 regular season as well. This was the first offseason in a while that was uninterrupted and Harden could work on his game, so he came into the regular season feeling good but now he is dealing with another setback.
LATEST NBA NEWS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
This injury comes out of nowhere as Harden had a good game last time out on Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards. He scored 24 points to go along with 10 assists, five rebounds and one steal.
Without Harden in the lineup, the 76ers are going to have to make some major adjustments to their rotation. Matisse Thybulle, who got his first extended action against the Wizards with De’Anthony Melton sidelined, will likely be a rotation regular for the time being. He or Melton are the likeliest players to step into the starting five in Harden’s place.
LATEST NBA NEWS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
This also means that the team is going to need more from Tobias Harris, who has at times struggled to find his rhythm as the fourth option. His role will certainly increase with Harden sidelined as he will undoubtedly become the third option offensively behind Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
