35Breakdown
Performance
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March 2, 2026
Powers through thumb injury in win
Harden (thumb) chipped in 22 points (5-9 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 8-12 FT), nine rebounds and eight assists in 36 minutes during Sunday's 106-102 win over the Nets.
Analysis
The 22 points led the Cavaliers on the afternoon, and Harden's near triple-double was even more impressive considering he's playing through a fractured right thumb that had sidelined him for the previous two games. The veteran guard has scored at least 20 points in five of his last eight appearances, averaging 19.3 points, 8.0 assists, 5.1 boards and 3.0 three-pointers over that stretch.
March 1, 2026
Good to go Sunday
Harden (thumb) is available for Sunday's game against the Nets.
Analysis
Harden will shed his questionable tag and return from a two-game absence due to a fractured right thumb. With the veteran guard back in action, Dennis Schroder will likely slide to the bench. Over seven February appearances, Harden averaged 18.9 points, 8.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 32.0 minutes per tilt.
February 28, 2026
Questionable for Sunday
Harden (thumb) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Nets.
Analysis
Harden was sidelined for Friday's overtime loss to the Pistons and could miss a third straight game while nursing a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb. While he remains intent on playing through the issue, the Cavaliers may choose to be cautious with their star guard to ensure the injury doesn't linger. Donovan Mitchell (groin) has already been ruled out, so the Cavaliers would likely continue to lean on Dennis Schroder, Sam Merrill and Craig Porter to handle increased roles in the backcourt if Harden is unable to suit up.
February 27, 2026
Not playing Friday
Harden (thumb) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pistons.
Analysis
Harden was initially tagged as questionable while nursing a fractured right thumb, but the superstar guard will be sidelined for Friday's contest and will look to be available for Sunday's game against the Nets. With Harden and Donovan Mitchell (groin) both ruled out, the Cavaliers will turn to Dennis Schroder, Sam Merrill and Craig Porter to all step into larger roles in the backcourt.
February 26, 2026
Iffy for Friday
Harden (thumb) is questionable for Friday's game against the Pistons.
Analysis
Harden sat out of Wednesday's matchup with the Bucks due to a fractured right thumb, but he remains intent on playing through the issue, which is signified by his questionable tag for Friday. The team should have another update on his availability closer to tipoff. Donovan Mitchell (groin) has already been ruled out, so it would once again be up to Dennis Schroder (ankle), Sam Merrill and Craig Porter to step up in the backcourt if Harden can't go.
February 26, 2026
Won't play Wednesday
Harden (thumb) has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee.
Analysis
Harden has a fractured right thumb, and while he's planning on playing through the injury going forward, he'll be sidelined Wednesday night. The injury is to Harden's non-shooting hand and won't require surgery. His absence will likely leave more playing time for Dennis Schroder and Craig Porter. Harden's next chance to play will come Friday at Detroit.
February 25, 2026
Plans to play through thumb injury
Harden plans to play through his fractured right thumb, but he remains questionable for Wednesday's game in Milwaukee, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Harden suffered a non-displaced fracture to the right thumb on his non-shooting hand during Tuesday's win over the Knicks, but after visiting with a hand specialist Wednesday afternoon, it was determined that surgery will not be required to repair the injury. He may still skip Wednesday's game to allow some swelling in his thumb to go down, but this isn't expected to devolve into a long-term absence for Harden.
February 25, 2026
Breaks thumb, iffy for Wednesday
Harden sustained a non-displaced right thumb fracture in Tuesday's 109-94 win over the Knicks and is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Bucks.
Analysis
The Cavaliers aren't yet ready to rule Harden out for the second leg of their back-to-back set, but Shams Charania of ESPN relays that the star point guard is undergoing further evaluation and treatment before a decision on his availability for Wednesday's game and beyond is made. Even if Harden plays through the injury Wednesday, the Cavaliers will be shorthanded with co-stars Donovan Mitchell (groin) and Evan Mobley (calf) sitting out against Milwaukee. Expect further clarity on Harden's status to arrive closer to the 8 p.m. ET tipoff.