76ers: How Concerning Was James Harden’s Latest Setback?

As James Harden battles an injury, how concerning is the 76ers guard's setback?

Following a double-overtime loss at home against the Chicago Bulls last Monday, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers mentioned that James Harden was “hurting” during the matchup.

It was later revealed that Harden was dealing with Achilles soreness. As a result, the star guard was added to the injury report and listed as questionable for the rematch against the Bulls two nights later. To no surprise, Harden was held out from the matchup.

When last Friday’s game against the Golden State Warriors approached, the same situation happened. 

Although Rivers was hopeful Harden would return for the Sixers’ Saturday night matchup against the Phoenix Suns, the guard missed his third-straight game.

Everything seemed to be trending in the right direction for Harden as the Sixers’ Monday night matchup against the Denver Nuggets approached. Harden was finally a game-time decision, and there was a real chance he would play.

Unfortunately for the Sixers, Harden missed his fourth-straight game instead. While the recent setback seems sudden, Harden admitted Wednesday night after the Sixers faced the Dallas Mavericks that the setback isn’t necessarily new.

“I don't know where it came from, but it's been bothering me for some months, I would say,” Harden told reporters after the game, according to The Athletic. “I just want to continue to play on it. It was one point to where the last game I played, it was just really unbearable. So I couldn't even go out there. So six games left to finish the season off, finish off strong, and then we get another week to prepare.”

Harden entered Wednesday’s game at home against Dallas as questionable once again. Except for this time around, he got the nod to play. Clearly rusty in the opening minutes, it looked like Harden would need some time to get settled in once again. 

“I felt okay. Towards the end, it got a little sore, but I expected that,” Harden explained. 

In total, Harden played for 38 minutes against the Mavericks. He shot 4-14 from the field, knocking down two of his six shots from beyond the arc. Harden wrapped up the game with 15 points. He made it a double-double night by dishing out 12 assists. 

It wasn’t the best performance from the standout guard, but it was a step in the right direction toward getting healthier as the postseason approaches.

“Just trying to do the proper things to continue to maintain it, finish these last six games off, and then be ready to take that week of preparation,” he finished. “I mean, I don't think it's just going to completely go away but you know, I'm out there.”

The fact that Harden could return for a 38-minute shift is an encouraging sign, but his description of the setback does leave some room for concern moving forward. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.