Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Star guard James Harden is expected to miss the next month of the 76ers’ season after suffering a right foot strain, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Harden, 33, is averaging 22.0 points, 10.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds through the first nine games. The Sixers (4-5) have gotten off to a rocky start, given that they entered the season considered as Eastern Conference contenders.

He was acquired by the Sixers at last year’s trade deadline, in the Ben Simmons deal with the Nets, then went on to average 21.3 points in 30 games with Philadelphia. But he suffered a hamstring injury that limited him in the playoffs — so this serves as another setback.

As Wojnarowski noted, it will now be up to the likes of All-Star center Joel Embiid and rising guard Tyrese Maxey to carry the load and help the Sixers move closer to expectations.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
One rookie quarterback is showing 'elite downfield accuracy' during OTAs
Luka Doncic discusses what T-Wolves fan said to fire him up in Game 5 win
If you build it they will come? Rays unveil stadium renderings
Mets shake up roster with set of moves
Stars standout remains uncertain for Game 5 vs. Oilers
Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving dominate in Game 5 vs. Timberwolves, send Mavericks to NBA Finals
Three takeaways as Panthers push Rangers to brink of elimination
Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle joins elite WR group with contract extension
Watch: Snoop Dogg has epic reaction to Luka Doncic's trash talk
Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. still processing emotions after second ACL tear
Cowboys HC shares mixed messages on Micah Parsons missing OTAs
French Open announces massive change for fans following player complaints
Arkansas HC John Calipari reveals his new roster-building strategy
Mets manager says DFA'd pitcher 'went over the line' following ejection
Mavericks guard named Western Conference Finals MVP
Canadiens won't re-sign veteran left winger
Watch: Caitlin Clark has intense staredown with ex-Fever player
Buccaneers waive return specialist, backup WR
Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin wins Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
13-time Pro Bowl QB was 'very' serious about coming out of retirement

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.