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Philadelphia 76ers’ star player James Harden made a marked return to the training grounds this Friday at Colorado State University, confirming his full participation. According to coach Nick Nurse, this was the first full practice session Harden had taken part in since rejoining the squad on Tuesday.
Will Harden Play Against the Celtics?
The major query hovering over the team and fans alike is Harden's potential participation in Sunday's preseason game against the Boston Celtics. While the game, set to air at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, promises excitement, the lineup remains a mystery.
Following Friday's practice, the 76ers set their course from Fort Collins to Boston, with Nurse indicating that Harden, among several other teammates, are in the process of gradually escalating their game activities. When prodded about Harden's involvement in Sunday's game, Nurse remained non-committal.
"I do not know," he confessed. Emphasizing the high-intensity nature of the training camp, he added, "We're still into getting after it and competing tomorrow, so we'll have to see how everybody comes out after that and see where we are." Coach Nurse's current challenge seems to be the larger picture of consolidating the team's strategy against Boston.
He mentioned the fluid nature of planning lineups and rotations, highlighting the mixed sentiments among players. "Some guys want the minutes to get to for conditioning. Some just want to start clocking in the minutes, and some won't be ready.
So, a little bit of everything."
A Silver Lining Amidst the Uncertainty
While the starting roster for Sunday remains a puzzle, Friday heralded some good news for the 76ers' camp. It was the third consecutive day without any drama surrounding Harden.
Ever since his return to the court on Wednesday, there has been a palpable sense of normalcy within the team. This bodes well for the squad's chemistry, regardless of the final decision on who takes to the court against the Celtics.
In the turbulent world of sports, where injuries, tactics, and player readiness often disrupt the best-laid plans, Philadelphia 76ers' fans are sure to find solace in the consistent commitment shown by their star player and the team at large. As Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on Harden's next move.