James Harden Expected To Be In Starting Lineup For Clippers Debut

The Los Angeles Clippers are taking on the New York Knicks this Monday evening, sounds like a normal game, right? Well, it has gotten better with it being confirmed Harden will be making his debut tonight.

This is exactly what Clippers fans wanted to hear as he’ll now be joining the “Big-3” of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook.

Plus, and this is where fans are intrigued, James Harden is expected to be in the starting lineup. Westbrook, Harden, George, Leonard, and Ivica Zubac will be rolled out as the starting five.

Shams Charania of The Athletic confirmed this on November 5th.

James Harden Traded To Clippers

The Philadelphia 76ers have officially traded James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers after months of speculation and his desire to play in Hollywood.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania, Los Angeles didn’t have to give up Norman Powell or Terance Mann. In fact, many are considering it a fleece job by the Clippers.

Philadelphia is set to receive Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, Robert Covington, a 2028 unprotected first-rounder, two second-rounders, and a pick swap. Plus, according to reports, Los Angeles will send an additional first-round pick from another team.

While James Harden is going to Los Angeles, the Clippers are also getting PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev. Petrusev is a 23-year-old player who was a late second-rounder out of the 2021 draft.

In addition to these moves being made, it was announced Danny Green is set to be waived by the 76ers to create a roster spot for their newest additions. The three-time NBA champ was a former late second-rounder out of the 2009 draft.

James Harden Expected To Practice Tuesday With Sixers

The Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden may be cleaning up their mess, before it gets too out of hand with the league, as it’s expected Harden will report to their practice on Tuesday.

Despite not being able to travel with the team, or playing in their home opener, there is a real possibility of him getting some minutes in Thursday’s game against the Toronto Raptors.

According to head coach Nick Nurse, the veteran guard has gone through the walkthrough for Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Plus, he participated in video work.

It is very much expected of him to rejoin the team and to start practicing full-time again.

With all that said, the next step is for Harden to do live work to test whether or not he is eligible to play against Toronto. A decision is most likely to be made shortly after that practice.