James Harden was ruled out for the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of their matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, with the veteran guard sidelined due to stiffness in his right shoulder.

The 36-year-old went through pregame warmups but was ultimately held out as a precautionary measure. It marked just the third game Harden has missed this season, underlining both his durability and importance to the Clippers’ lineup during the current campaign.

Despite his absence on Monday, Harden has been enjoying one of his most productive seasons in recent years. He is averaging 25.7 points per game, his highest scoring output since the 2019-20 season when he led the NBA in scoring. In addition to his scoring, Harden has also been a key playmaker, ranking seventh in the league with 8.0 assists per game. His workload has been significant, with the guard tied for 10th in the NBA in minutes played at 35.4 per game.

Harden’s heavy usage has been especially evident during periods when the Clippers were without star forward Kawhi Leonard. Leonard missed 10 games in November due to a sprained ankle and foot, forcing Harden to shoulder a larger share of the offensive responsibility. During that stretch, Harden logged major minutes and was often tasked with initiating and finishing plays, as well as guiding the team through critical moments.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged that the cumulative demands placed on Harden may have contributed to the decision to rest him. “I think definitely, just body fatigue, all the things he had to do as far as carrying the offense when Kawhi was out,” Lue said before the game. “We didn’t really have a secondary scorer. He had to do a lot for us.”

The Clippers have leaned heavily on Harden’s experience and offensive creativity, particularly in high-pressure situations. His ability to score, distribute, and control the tempo has made him a central figure in the team’s game plan, even as he navigates the physical toll of a long NBA season.

While the team did not indicate how long Harden might be sidelined, the decision to sit him out against Golden State appeared to be a cautious move aimed at preserving his health for the remainder of the schedule. With the season progressing and playoff positioning at stake, managing Harden’s workload could prove crucial for the Clippers as they look to maintain consistency and keep their core players fresh.

For now, Harden’s absence serves as a reminder of both his value to the Clippers and the balancing act required to manage veteran stars in a demanding season.