With two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers face a tough closing schedule. They could also be shorthanded during this stretch. The Sixers are battling for playoff seeding, and a strong close to the season could get them as high as second place in the East.
However, a bad finish to the season could result in them dropping to fourth in the East and facing a tougher path to the NBA Finals. How they close their season will largely depend on the availability of James Harden, who has been dealing with an injury of late. However, will he be available when the 76ers take on the Dallas Mavericks?
James Harden’s injury status for the 76ers’ game at the Mavericks on March 29th
Harden is listed as questionable again with left Achilles soreness. He was questionable for the team’s previous game against the Denver Nuggets but ultimately didn’t play. As a result, it’s a toss-up whether he’ll play against the Mavericks or not.
Update:
ESPN Sources: Philadelphia 76ers stars Joel Embiid (calf) and James Harden (Achilles) are returning to the lineup vs. the Dallas Mavericks (ESPN, 7:30 PM). Both tested injuries on court pregame and are good to go.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 29, 2023
When will Harden play?
Harden has missed the team’s last four games with an Achilles injury but will play against the Mavericks on Wednesday.
Philadelphia 76ers complete injury report
In addition to Harden, Daniel House Jr. is also listed as questionable on the injury report with a shoulder injury. Embiid is also on the injury report.
Philadelphia 76ers’ next 5 games
Following their game against the Mavericks, the 76ers’ next five games will be particularly tough. They will face five playoff teams, with the Sixers struggling of late, and the Cleveland Cavaliers making ground, a bad five-game stretch could drop them to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Here are the 76ers’ next five games:
Friday, March 31st, Toronto, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 2nd, Milwaukee, 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4th, Boston, 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 6th, Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 7th, at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Harden has missed the last four games with a sore left Achilles but will play Wednesday’s game against the Mavericks.