When the new-look Boston Celtics take on the remade Philadelphia 76ers, the latter squad will still look a lot like the team that was playing games at a high level before the 2022 NBA trade deadline — just without all of the players who were dealt to the 76ers for disgruntled star big man Ben Simmons and only new Philly player Paul Milsap available to play.
This is because the Sixers have ruled out the centerpiece of that deal — star guard James Harden — until after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game taking place on Feb. 20 in Cleveland, Ohio, per Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin. The reasoning is not being shared but is not due to the same sort of bureaucratic delays that have kept recently reacquired Celtics big man Daniel Theis away from the team.
Carlin notes the team will have “an update on his playing status after the All-Star break,” but unless the Celtics draw Philadelphia in the postseason (a distinct possibility), it will be the last time they meet in the 2021-22 NBA season.
James Harden will be out through the All-Star break. He will continue treatment and on-court training. Harden will not participate in the All-Star game on Sunday. #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) February 14, 2022
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
