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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
On Friday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be in Texas to play the Dallas Mavericks.
The Cavs most recently lost to the Magic (in Orlando) by a score of 128-122.
James Harden finished the loss with 30 points, five rebounds and eight assists while shooting 11/16 from the field and 5/9 from three-point range in 37 minutes of playing time.
Cleveland Cavaliers Announce James Harden Status
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to Associate Head Coach Johnnie Bryant during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
For Friday’s game, Harden is listed as available on the team’s injury report.
He is averaging 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists per contest while shooting 48.7% from the field and 45.1% from three-point range in his first 12 games with the Cavs.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
Harden has been an incredible addition to the Cavs.
The 2018 MVP could potentially help lead the franchise back to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in eight years.
Real App wrote (on March 1): “James Harden is the oldest player in Cavs history to record 3-straight 20-point games.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
Harden Before The Cavs
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on November 26, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Harden was the third pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of Arizona State.
Before the Cavs, he had stints with the Houston Rockets, OKC Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers.
The future Hall of Famer has incredible career averages of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 43.9% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range in 1,207 games.
That said, Harden has yet to return to the NBA Finals since 2012 (with OKC).
Real App wrote (on March 9): “James Harden is tied as the fastest player in Cavs history to record 200+ PTS, 50+ REB, & 50+ AST.”
Cavs Ahead Of Mavs
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome on January 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Cavs are the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 40-26 record in 66 games.
They have won five out of their last ten games.
On the road, the Cavs have gone 18-14 in 32 games played outside of Ohio.
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Mavs and Cavs will play again on Sunday (in Ohio).
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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