The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing some of their best basketball of the season, but could be hitting another bump in the road.
James Harden had his right thumb wrapped during postgame interviews after the team’s win over the New York Knicks. Now we know why.
The team announced on Wednesday afternoon that Harden injured his right thumb on Tuesday. X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx. Harden will undergo treatment and is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
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A non-displaced fracture is a broken bone, but that bone hasn’t shifted or moved. It’s still in place. And the break occurred at the tip of the thumb, which is preferable to having it break lower.
The severity of the break will determine how long it takes for a full recovery. It could heal completely in two weeks or could be closer to four.
Right now, it seems like Harden could be attempting to play through it given that he’s listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game, which is an option. He could do so with a brace on it.
It’s also worth pointing out that Harden is left-handed. The injury is on his non-dominant hand, which is obviously preferable.
The Cavs are still working through how to best play with Harden, and they don’t have much time to figure it all out with only 23 games left. Missing a few weeks with an injury would be costly for a team trying to put the pieces together.
At the same time, the Cavs need to be fully healthy heading into the playoffs. This team won’t likely reach its ultimate goal. There’s pros and cons to either approach.
Harden has played seven games with the Cavs. He’s averaging 18.9 points and 8 assists on .494/.488/.867 shooting splits.
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