Sixers’ James Harden Expected to Miss One Month With Foot Strain

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.