This is not good for James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden sustained a fracture in his right thumb during Tuesday's win against the New York Knicks at home.
Harden is undergoing further evaluations and treatment.
The Cavaliers are 6-1 with Harden in the lineup. Harden is averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game with the Wine and Gold while shooting 49.4% from the field, 48.8% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line.
Harden was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland at this year's NBA trade deadline.
Cleveland is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. If Harden has to miss extended time, the Cavaliers could slide in the East.
Harden is making $39.4 million this season, with $13.3 million of his $42.3 million salary for next season guaranteed. Harden had sought more security in negotiations with the Clippers last offseason, but Los Angeles declined to offer him a longer-term deal because of his age and an organizational prioritization of long-term flexibility.
The Cavaliers are widely expected to sign Harden to a new deal this offseason.
A future Hall of Famer, Harden has been a great fit alongside Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The Cavaliers haven't advanced past the second round of the playoffs with Mitchell, Mobley and Allen leading the way. They are under immense pressure to go on a deep playoff run this year.
Harden has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers and Cavaliers. He holds career averages of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game.
Harden made the NBA Finals in 2012. OKC lost to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in five games. Harden hasn't been back to the NBA Finals since.
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