James Harden Unexpectedly Withdraws from Clippers vs. Suns Game
The Los Angeles Clippers will face the Phoenix Suns tonight without star player James Harden, who has withdrawn for personal reasons. This unexpected absence was confirmed by Clippers beat writer Joey Linn.
Game Details
The highly anticipated match between the Clippers and the Suns is set to begin at 6:00 PM MST. This is an important matchup as both teams are vying for playoff positions in the Western Conference.
Clippers’ Injury Update
- James Harden: Out for personal reasons
- Bradley Beal: Out for the game
- Chris Paul: Out for the game
- Derrick Jones Jr.: Out for the game
Interestingly, Harden was not listed on the initial injury report and had recently attended a game at Arizona State University, his alma mater. He had also missed a previous game against the Suns on November 6 for similar personal reasons.
Suns’ Current Situation
- Devin Booker: Out for the game
- Jalen Green: Questionable for the game
The Suns have enjoyed success against the Clippers this season, winning two of their three previous meetings. As of now, the Suns sit in seventh place in the Western Conference, while the Clippers are positioned tenth.
Player Performance and Team Outlook
This season, Harden has been a crucial asset for the Clippers, averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. The Clippers are currently one of the hottest teams in the league, winning 16 of their last 20 outings.
In a recent interview, Harden emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence despite the challenges faced by the team. “We have to take one game at a time,” he stated, highlighting the need to build momentum leading into the All-Star break.
Fans and analysts alike will watch to see how the Clippers respond in Harden’s absence as they aim to secure a vital win against the Suns.