Report: James Harden Will not Play in Preseason Finale Against Atlanta

Harden has not played this preseason for the 76ers

According to a report from The Athletic's Shams Charania, Philadelphia 76ers star guard James Harden is not going to be playing against the Atlanta Hawks tonight due to a personal matter. 

James Harden remains away from 76ers due to personal matter and is out for preseason finale vs. Hawks tonight.

No preseason games in for Harden, who has not been with the team since Sunday.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 20, 2023

Harden has not played for the 76ers this preseason and that is not going to change tonight in the Hawks preseason finale. Harden demanded a trade earlier this offseason. 

While Harden is not going to play, 76ers superstar and reigning MVP Joel Embiid is hoping that he will play tonight: 

“I’m good,” Embiid told reporters on Wednesday, according to Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin. “That’s the goal. I was supposed to play last game, but some things happen. I couldn’t play, but I’m good. That’s the plan for now so hopefully, come Friday, I’ll be ready to go.”

In terms of the Hawks, they also might have their starting lineup play tonight: 

I asked Hawks coach Quin Snyder today at practice if there is any chance that we see a full starting lineup tomorrow in Philly (last preseason game) and he said with a smile, "There's a chance you might see that."

— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) October 19, 2023

It would be good to see the starting lineup ahead of the season opener against the Charlotte Hornets and one of the headlines to watch tonight in Philly. 

Saddiq Bey is coming off of a double-double in the loss to the Pacers. Bey finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds and will look to put together another solid performance in the preseason finale.

The main thing that I want to see tonight is the Hawks exit this game with no injuries ahead of the start of the season on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets.

Be sure to tune into AllHawks.com for the latest coverage from tonight's preseason finale.

Follow Jackson on Twitter: @jacksoncaudell

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip-off time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Where to Watch: NBA league Pass and NBA TV

Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks are going to be slight underdogs on the road in Philly tonight, as they are currently 2.5 point underdogs according to the latest odds from the SI Sportsbook

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