76ers vs. Mavericks: James Harden, Joel Embiid’s Injury Status

For the fourth-straight game, the Philadelphia 76ers have two starters listed on the injury report as questionable. James Harden, who has been battling Achilles soreness, and Joel Embiid, who is dealing with calf tightness, both missed time recently.

Harden’s recent injury concerns started last Monday when the Sixers hosted the Chicago Bulls. After feeling soreness following a double-overtime loss, Harden was questionable going into the last four matchups against the Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Denver Nuggets.

After missing the first three games, Harden was reportedly on track to return on Monday night when the Sixers faced the Denver Nuggets on the road. Unfortunately, Harden was downgraded and missed the matchup after being described as a game-time decision.

As for Embiid, it took a few games before he missed any time due to calf tightness. After pushing through and playing in the matchups against the Warriors and the Suns, Embiid finally got a night off when the Sixers went toe-to-toe with the Nuggets on Monday night.

As expected, the big man remained on the injury report for the following game against the Mavericks as well for the same reason. During Doc Rivers’ pregame press conference, the head coach revealed that both players would go through pregame warmups to see how they felt before determining their final playing status for the night.

Fortunately, the Sixers will get both stars back on Wednesday night. After Embiid and Harden went through their pregame warmups, they were deemed healthy enough to play. Embiid returns after a one-game absence. Harden will be back out on the floor for the first time in over a week.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

MORE SIXERS NEWS

No Longer the Favorite?: After missing Monday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, many assumed Joel Embiid would lose his spot at the betting favorite to win the NBA MVP award. After looking at odds from multiple key sportsbooks, that ended up being the case. READ MORE

Stealing the G League: Sixers’ young defensive standout Jaden Springer had quite the second season playing with the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. After spending most of the year on the Coats, Springer led the league in steals. READ MORE

Mac McClung Carries Similar Mindset as Embiid: Sixers’ two-way guard Mac McClung is a potential MVP candidate after an impressive season with the Blue Coats. As McClung enters the G League MVP conversation, he makes it clear that’s not what motivates him this year. READ MORE