Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden recently suffered a thumb injury during their victory over the New York Knicks, but the prognosis suggests a manageable road to recovery. Harden, who joined the Cavaliers in a major trade from the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month, sustained a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx in his right thumb.
Despite the initial concern, athletic trainer and injury analyst Jeff Stotts shared some optimistic insights on social media. According to Stotts, this type of injury is the "best case scenario" for a swift comeback. Historically, players with similar injuries who avoid surgery miss an average of 6.5 games, or around 17 days.
For the Cavaliers, this means Harden could be back on the court in just a couple of weeks, which is certainly a relief as it doesn't seem he'll be sidelined for long. Since joining Cleveland, Harden has been averaging 18.9 points and 8.0 assists per game.
The Cavaliers, who have found their rhythm after a sluggish start, have won 22 of their last 30 games. With a record of 37-22, they are currently tied with the Knicks for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.
Harden's timely return could be crucial as the team continues to build momentum.