Cavs' James Harden has fracture in right thumb, out vs. Bucks - ESPN
ESPN
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers has sustained a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb, ruling him out for Wednesday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The injury occurred during Tuesday night's win over the New York Knicks, and initial tests confirmed the fracture. Despite the injury, Harden plans to play through it without requiring surgery, as per team sources.
The Cavaliers announced the news on Wednesday after conducting further evaluations with a hand specialist. Harden will undergo treatment and additional assessments to determine his recovery timeline. Team coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the injury but remained uncertain about when or how Harden got hurt during the game. The coach emphasized that it was "too early" to provide a definitive prognosis.
Harden, who was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers on February 3, has been a key player for Cleveland since joining the team. In seven games with the Cavaliers, he's averaging 18.9 points, eight assists, and 4.6 rebounds. His absence comes at a challenging time for the Cavaliers, as they are already without Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley for the game against the Bucks. Despite missing two key players, the team has been performing well, winning eight of their last nine games and securing third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
This injury is significant because it could impact the Cavaliers' momentum during a crucial stretch of the season. While Harden's durability and determination to play through the injury show his commitment to the team, the long-term effects on his performance and availability remain uncertain. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring his recovery progress as the Cavaliers aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026