Sixers’ James Harden ‘On Pace’ to Make Return vs. Rockets

Star guard James Harden is set to make his return for the 76ers, and it will come against no less than the Rockets, his former team.

Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Harden said he is “on pace” to play in Monday’s road game. 

Harden, 33, has been out with the injury since the first week of November. Through nine games, he is averaging 22.0 points, 10.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds, shooting 44 percent from the field.

Nothing is set in stone, however, as Harden practiced 5-on-5 on Sunday for the first time since suffering the injury, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Harden played for the Rockets from 2012-21 before requesting a trade. He said he still considers Houston “home,” via Feigen.

Harden, center Joel Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey have all missed time this season, as has forward Tobias Harris, and it’s led to a fairly uneven start for the Sixers. They enter Monday at 12-11 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.

End of the workout with James Harden and Sam Cassell pic.twitter.com/yU3BmYomm1

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 4, 2022