James Harden Expected to Make Clippers Debut vs. Knicks

Now that James Harden is officially a member of the Clippers, all that’s left to wonder is when he will actually suit up.

Well, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Clippers and Harden are expected to target Monday’s road game against the Knicks as his debut. This had already been reported by Janis Carr of the Orange County Register, who wrote that Harden is likely to play during LA’s three-game trip.

That means Harden will miss Wednesday’s game against the Lakers, giving the Clippers a good four days to get him acclimated with their system, as he gets set to play alongside fellow stars Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook.

Harden, 34, was acquired in a deal with the Sixers, reportedly after ownership from both teams began to put heat on their basketball operations staffs over the weekend to get a deal done.

“James is one of the most prolific and efficient playmakers in the NBA,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement. “With his size and vision, he possesses an extraordinary ability to create for himself and others.”

On @RunItBackFDTV: New Clippers star James Harden will practice over the coming days and possibly debut on Monday against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. pic.twitter.com/3LXDzGoz9h

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 1, 2023