Cavs G James Harden breaks right thumb, questionable to play

Field Level Media|published: Wed 25th February, 15:38 2026

Feb 24, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Cavaliers guard James Harden fractured his right thumb during his team's win against the New York Knicks on Tuesday and is questionable for Cleveland's next game.

The Cavaliers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

In a statement, the team said Harding underwent X-rays on Wednesday that confirmed a "non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx."

According to the Mayo Clinic, that bone is located at the fingertip.

The Cavaliers said Harden, 36, will undergo treatment and continue to be evaluated.

Harden, a six-time first-team All-NBA selection and 2017-18 league MVP, is with his sixth NBA team. Cleveland acquired him Feb. 4 in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round draft pick.

The Cavaliers are 6-1 with Harden in the lineup. With Cleveland, he's averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists.

On the season, he has averages of 24.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 51 games.

In 1,202 games (988 starts) over 17 seasons, Harden is averaging 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists.

Since entering the NBA as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Harden has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers and Cavaliers.

If Harden does not play Wednesday night, the Cavaliers will be without both of their starting guards. Donovan Mitchell is listed as out with a right groin strain.

--Field Level Media

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