The NBA 2023-24 season is right around the corner, and teams have already started to prepare for the opening rounds of fixtures. Before taking on the center stage, teams are preparing in Abu Dhabi by competing in pre-season games. While coaches have most of their players at their disposal, a huge number of big names are unavailable or questionable. One of them happens to be Philadelphia 76ers superstar James Harden.

The 2018 MVP has been looking for a trade for quite some time now, but the Sixers are yet to find a solution. With their game against the Boston Celtics starting in a few hours, will Harden suit up?

Questions linger about James Harden and his availability

There has been an air of controversy around James Harden over the past few months. The 10-time NBA All-Star opted for his player option during the NBA Free Agency looking for a trade. Not only that, but he also called the 76ers president, Daryl Morey, a ‘liar’ during a trip to China.

Despite Controversial 76ers Return, James Harden to “Cut Ties” With Philadelphia Very Soon, as Per Reports

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After all such antics, he has turned up to the training camp contrary to reports across the internet. Ahead of the Celtics vs 76ers clash in Abu Dhabi, the 76ers coach Nick Nurse was as clueless as everyone else. “I do not know”, said Nurse when asked whether Harden would play against Jayson Tatum and others as per ESPN. The 76ers superstar is yet to comment on his status.

Philadelphia beat writer Keith Pompey revealed that Harden will miss the Celtics matchup. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid is also set to miss the matchup according to Pompey.

Over the past 6 seasons with the Rockets, the Nets, and the 76ers, he has taken part in every pre-season game. The 3-time scoring champ participated in 3 pre-season games for the 76ers before the 2022-23 NBA season. He averaged 12.3 points while getting 20 minutes of gameplay during the three fixtures.

What are the possible lineups for both teams?

The Boston Celtics have completely changed their roster during the offseason. Not only did they add Kristaps Porzingis, but they also added Jrue Holiday recently. This clash comes just days after Joel Embiid talked about how the Celtics have still not surpassed the 76ers.

Holiday and Porzingis are both expected to start alongside Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White. On the other hand, the 76ers are expected to start Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, PJ Tucker, and Patrick Beverly. If Harden decides to suit up for the 76ers, he might as well just start the game. As of now, there are no concrete updates about his availability.

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What are your predictions for the Celtics vs 76ers matchup? Let us know in the comments below.