Guard James Harden is targeting a return from a right foot strain next week, perhaps joining the 76ers as soon as Monday, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Harden, 33, has been out with the injury since the first week of November. Through nine games, he put up averages of 22.0 points, 10.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds.

Harden, center Joel Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey have all missed time this season, as has forward Tobias Harris, and it’s led to a fairly uneven start for the Sixers. They enter Wednesday’s road game against the Cavaliers at 12-9 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

That said, they are starting to creep back up to contention, and a healthy Harden (and eventually, Maxey) could help keep them there.

We have much more out of Philadelphia on our Sixers page.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Cowboys VP backs Dak Prescott despite lack of contract extension
Cubs get major boost to lineup as former MVP returns from IL
Ohio State tops analyst's college football post-spring Top 25
Lions bringing back safety after gambling suspension
Tyler Boyd signs with AFC team
NHL announces 2024 Hart Trophy finalists
Jimmy Butler's agent responds to Heat president's criticism of star client
Giants claim former Patriots QB off waivers
Nuggets melt down under Timberwolves' pressure to go down 0-2
Watch: Knicks' Donte DiVincenzo makes, absorbs big shot to win Game 1
Bruins take series opener over Panthers in 5-1 rout
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama unanimously wins NBA Rookie of the Year award
Phillies remain MLB's hottest team with dominant Zack Wheeler performance
Heat president Pat Riley calls out Jimmy Butler twice following playoff exit
Brooks Koepka sets up epic clash with Scottie Scheffler at PGA Championship
How Tom Brady's investment in English soccer team cratered
Week 12 NASCAR power rankings: Kyle Larson distances himself with historic win
Ex-GM confident 49ers can avoid breaking the bank on Brock Purdy extension
Five most surprising breakout players in this MLB season
The most exciting offseason addition for every NFL team