76ers vs. Nuggets: James Harden’s Playing Status Monday

When the Philadelphia 76ers take the court on Monday night to face the Denver Nuggets, the Sixers will remain without the services of their ten-time All-Star guard, James Harden.

Lately, Harden’s been battling Achilles soreness. After missing a game against the Indiana Pacers two weekends ago due to foot injury management, Harden returned to the floor in the Sixers’ Monday night matchup against the Chicago Bulls.

During the double-overtime loss, Harden checked in for over 46 minutes. Throughout the game, the veteran guard was battling through Achilles pain. During the following game, Harden was added to the injury report, listed as questionable.

Harden missed the rematch against the Bulls. Although the door was left open for a potential return in the back-to-back set against the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns, Harden remained off the floor for both matchups.

Going into Monday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, Harden was once again listed as questionable. After going through the team’s morning shootaround session as a participant, Harden was reportedly on track to make his return after missing the last three games.

It turns out that won't be the case.

The Sixers are now down two starters in the matchup against Denver, as Joel Embiid was ruled out on Monday morning due to calf tightness. Although Harden will miss a fourth-straight matchup, he's reportedly expected to make his return later this week.

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

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