Is James Harden playing tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans? | January 2nd, 2022 | 2022-23 NBA Season

James Harden sat out in the Philadelphia 76ers' last game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 31. He was dealing with a right foot strain, and the 76ers wanted to keep him off the second night of a back-to-back set.

Philadelphia, though, snapped their two-game losing skid without “The Beard” with a 115-96 victory over the Thunder. They now have a 21-14 record for fifth place in the loaded Eastern Conference.

The Philadelphia 76ers have removed James Harden from the injury report, which means he will play against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 2.

During the 76ers and Pelicans’ first matchup on December 30, Harden played 35 minutes and finished with 20 points and a game-high 10 assists. He also had a game-high of seven turnovers, which contributed to the Sixers’ 127-116 loss.

Harden has only played 20 of the Philadelphia 76ers’ 35 games this season. Joel Embiid has been carrying the team without the former MVP. The former Brooklyn Nets star is averaging 21.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 11.1 assists and 1.5 steals. He is shooting 43.8% from the floor, including 37.4% from behind the arc.

Head coach Doc Rivers has been managing Harden’s load since his arrival in Philly. He normally sits out one game in a back-to-back, but since the 76ers had a day off after the Thunder game, “Jimbo Slice” should be starting tonight.

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How has the Philadelphia 76ers fared without James Harden this season?

The Philadelphia 76ers' offense will again run through James Harden and Joel Embiid.

The Philadelphia 76ers are only 9-6 this season without James Harden. Some of Harden’s missed games also coincided with the injury to Tyrese Maxey, which contributed to the 76ers’ struggles.

Philly’s game, though, seems to be more fluid when the former MVP is manning the point. He no longer has the burst that made him a nightmare to defend during his Houston Rockets days, but he is still difficult to stop.

Harden makes up for his lack of speed with his usual guile and ability to draw fouls to put defenders at a disadvantage. His step-back jumpers are still nearly unstoppable and have been his bread and butter when possessions are crucial.

James Harden has also developed special chemistry with MVP candidate Joel Embiid, making them one of the best 1-2 punch in the NBA. The All-Star center has become unquestionably the 76ers’ main option on offense, but Harden remains the catalyst.

Without Harden, Embiid loses his best pick-and-roll dance partner. The Philadelphia 76ers are less stout on defense with the 10x All-Star on the floor, but he usually makes up for it with his offense.

Philly are 9-2 in their last 11 games and have found their best form of the season. It’s no coincidence that this happened when James Harden returned from a foot injury.

The 76ers will need their starting point guard to avenge their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans a few days ago.