James Harden suffered a fractured right thumb during Monday night’s Cleveland Cavaliers victory over the New York Knicks, leaving his participation in Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks uncertain. Despite the injury, Harden scored 20 points and appeared to be flourishing in a more focused role with Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have classified the fracture as non-displaced and affecting Harden’s off hand. While this injury may hinder his ball-handling abilities, it is not expected to sideline him for an extended period.
Injuries Force Cavaliers to Make Tough Decisions for Back-to-Back Games
Alongside Harden’s questionable status, the Cavaliers will be without Donovan Mitchell, who is sidelined by a groin strain, and Evan Mobley, who is managing a calf injury, for the matchup in Milwaukee. Considering these absences and the team’s schedule—with another game against Detroit on Friday—the Cavaliers are navigating injuries carefully to avoid league penalties.
Positive Momentum Despite Setbacks for Cleveland’s Offense
Since Harden joined the Cavaliers’ lineup, the team has gone 6-1, with Harden averaging nearly 19 points and eight assists per game. The Cavaliers’ offense ranks third-best in the NBA, signaling a noteworthy threat emerging from the Eastern Conference. Monday’s win over the Knicks reinforced growing optimism around Cleveland’s potential this season.
While the thumb injury presents a challenge, it is unlikely to derail the Cavaliers’ progress or Harden’s impact on the team.
pic.twitter.com/eOpsDks02K— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 25, 2026
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 25, 2026
