Clippers Announce James Harden News Before Suns Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 7:58 PM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers have struggled over their past four games, losing three matchups and falling below .500 at 3–4, placing them tenth in the Western Conference. Although the team has not looked like a great fit so far with all the roster additions from the offseason, guard James Harden has still been an incredibly efficient scorer and playmaker, building on a resurgent campaign last year.

Now in his 17th NBA season, the 36-year-old veteran has shown no signs of slowing down. Through seven games, Harden is averaging 23.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.6 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. He is creating great looks for his teammates and scoring efficiently from deep.

LA Clippers guard James Harden (1)© Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

As Los Angeles looks to avoid a three-game losing streak on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, they will be thin in the backcourt. The Clippers announced via their official injury report that Harden was added for the first time this year. He was immediately ruled out due to personal reasons (h/t Joey Linn of On SI).

Los Angeles also ruled out Kawhi Leonard for a second straight game as he continues to deal with an ankle injury, making it a tough task for the Clippers to get back on track, even against a weak Suns group.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are out tomorrow against Phoenix.

Harden is out due to personal reasons. Leonard with the ankle sprain.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 5, 2025

Harden is in his third season with the Clippers after being traded in October 2023 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Los Angeles is the fifth organization he has suited up for in his career. He has racked up plenty of individual accolades, including 11 All-Star selections, three scoring titles, eight All-NBA honors and the 2018 MVP. Still, he is searching for his first NBA championship to put the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame resume.

It is still early in the season, and growing pains are expected for a team with so many new pieces. Harden’s next chance to return will be Saturday at home against the Suns, where the Clippers hope to regroup and find some consistency. With Harden playing at a high level and the roster still adjusting, Los Angeles has time to turn things around, but the pressure is already starting to build.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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