Clippers Announce James Harden News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 9:23 PM ET

James Harden missed his first game of the season on Thursday as the Los Angeles Clippers suffered defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, 115-102. Harden sat out the game due to personal reasons, resulting in L.A. losing its third straight game.

Kawhi Leonard was also out of action against the Suns because of an ankle injury. That was the six-time All-Star’s second straight missed game, and Leonard has now also been ruled out for the Clippers’ next contest. L.A. hosts the Suns in a rematch on Saturday, but Leonard will remain on the sidelines as he continues to nurse an ankle problem.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2, center) and guard James Harden (1, right) watch the game from the bench.© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Clippers, however, announced some good news on the Harden front. The former NBA MVP, who’s averaged 23.3 points on 47.1% shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.6 triples in seven games played thus far, is expected to return for L.A.’s next game.

The Clippers revealed on Friday via the official injury report that Harden will play against the Suns on Saturday. The 11-time All-Star was not on the injury list and is expected to start against Phoenix. Leonard, however, has been ruled out with a right ankle sprain.

As for the Suns, Dillon Brooks will remain sidelined with a groin injury. Brooks will sit out his seventh straight game for Phoenix on Saturday.

The Clippers are in dire need of a win, and Harden’s return will serve as a massive boost. Suns stars Jalen Green (29 points in his Phoenix debut) and Devin Booker (24 points, seven assists) torched L.A. in their last game, and the Clippers will need to hold these two guards down in Saturday’s rematch.

L.A. will host the game at Intuit Dome with tip-off scheduled for 11:30 p.m. ET.

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

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