Nick Nurse: 76ers prepared to play without James Harden 'until something changes' / News - Basketnews.com

Philadelphia 76ers brace for season opener without James Harden in the lineup.

Credit: Getty Images via AFP-Scanpix Credit Getty Images via AFP-Scanpix

James Harden had previously vowed that he would never play for a franchise led by Philadelphia 76ers team president Daryl Morey.

James Harden

Position:SG, PGAge:34Height:196 cmWeight:100 kgBirth place:Los Angeles, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

It appears that Harden might be standing by his word, as the discontented guard skipped the entire preseason with the Sixers following his trade demand.

Officially marked as away due to a personal matter, Harden did not participate in the 76ers' practice this week, and he was absent from the Wells Fargo Center during the Friday night finale against Atlanta.

The Sixers are gearing up to kick off their season on Thursday against Milwaukee, with a subsequent game in Toronto before their home opener against Portland on October 29.

In the absence of Harden, coach Nick Nurse, now in his first season after five years with Toronto, is adapting strategies for games without the three-time NBA scoring champion.

"I think I've been preparing for it all this week, for sure," Nurse said. "Lots of thought has gone into him not playing and preparing the team that way this summer. I keep saying, there is another plan if something changes.

"I don't think it's affected us very much, at all," he added. "We've just gone out and played, and we're going to have to go out play the way we're trying to play. I think that is without [him] until something changes."

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