James Harden has been ruled out through the all-star break with a left hamstring injury, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/status/1493276833663664130
Harden, 32, was recently traded to the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Paul Millsap in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks.
The 76ers will likely be cautious with the former league MVP as they make a push towards the playoffs.
Harden was (infamously) selected last in the 2022 all-star draft.
Some potential replacements in the Eastern Conference include:
Toronto Raptors’ forward Pascal Siakam, who’s averaging 22.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 50%/36%/73% shooting splits.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ center Jarrett Allen, who’s averaging 16.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks on 67%/10%/70% shooting splits.
Boston Celtics’ guard/forward Jaylen Brown, who’s averaging 23.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on 46%/34%/78% shooting splits.
The Raptors, Cavaliers, and Celtics all have one all-star – and all are within three games of each other in the Eastern Conference standings.
My guess is that Allen will get the nod, considering the all-star game is going to be in Cleveland.
Commissioner Adam Silver will likely make a decision on Harden’s replacement soon.