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DENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of the game at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
On Friday evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers will play the Detroit Pistons in Michigan.
The Cavs are coming off a 118-116 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in Wisconsin (without James Harden).
Harden’s status will be a major topic going forward for the remainder of the season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Make James Harden Announcement
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Before Friday’s showdown in Michigan, the Cavs announced that Harden is listed as questionable.
Danny Cunningham of The Inside Shot wrote: “Lengthy injury report for the #Cavs tomorrow in Detroit: Donovan Mitchell (groin) is out. Keon Ellis (index finger fracture), James Harden (thumb fracture), Dennis Schroder (ankle sprain) and Dean Wade (ankle sprain) are all questionable.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news of Harden’s status (on Wednesday).
Via Charania: “Just in on NBA Today — after hand specialist evaluation, Cavaliers star James Harden plans to play through his fractured right thumb:”
James Harden’s Tenure With Cleveland
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Recording artist Travis Scott talks with James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers after their win against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Harden was traded to the Cavs earlier this month, and they went 6-1 in those games (before the injury).
He is averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists per contest while shooting 49.4% from the field and 48.8% from three-point range with the Cavs.
NBA Retweet wrote: “James Harden as a Cav: 🔥 18.9 PPG 🔥 4.6 RPG 🔥 8.0 APG 🔥 49.4/48.8/86.7 splits 🔥 +5.4 +/- 🔥 32 MP 🔥 6-1 W/L Are the Cavs real contenders with Harden? 👀”
The Cavs are currently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 37-23 record in 60 games.
They have won eight out of their last ten.
Following the Pistons, the Cavs will visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon at Barclays Center in New York.
The Lead added: “Highest TS% in the clutch this season (min. 40 attempts): 68.9 – James Harden 68.8 – Ryan Rollins 68.8 – VJ Edgecombe 68.3 – Anthony Edwards 67.0 – Devin Booker 66.1 – Jamal Murray 65.5 – SGA 64.2 – Deni Avdija 63.9 – Nikola Jokic”
Harden was the third pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of Arizona State.
He was part of a draft class that also featured Blake Griffin, Steph Curry and DeMar DeRozan.
His career averages are 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 1,202 games.
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)
On the other side of Friday’s showdown, the Pistons are one of the best teams in the NBA with a 43-14 record in 57 games, which has them as the first seed in the Eastern Conference.
They have won eight out of their last ten games.
Following the Cavs, the Pistons will play their next game on Sunday when they visit the Orlando Magic.
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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