James Harden listed as questionable with thumb fracture, but Cavs not sounding alarms

The Cavaliers may have a minor bump to navigate, but nothing about this feels like a derailment.

James Harden has been diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx in his right thumb, the team announced Wednesday. Harden suffered the injury in Tuesday’s win over the Knicks and underwent X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. He’s listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s road game vs. the Bucks.

A few key points here. The injury is to Harden’s non-shooting hand. He’s left-handed. And he hasn’t been ruled out.

That alone suggests the Cavs don’t expect a lengthy absence, if any at all. Harden will continue to receive treatment and be evaluated, but the door remains open for him to play in the second night of the back-to-back.

Harden has been excellent since arriving from the Clippers, averaging 18.9 points and 8.0 assists while shooting efficiently across the board. More than the numbers, though, he’s stabilized the Cavs.

Coach Kenny Atkinson said that Harden’s arrival has brought “renewed confidence” to a team that has now won 13 of its past 15 games.

Harden, for his part, isn’t acting like someone planning to slow down.

“We’ve got a few more notches to get to,” he said Tuesday, emphasizing defense and focus down the stretch.