James Harden to make 76ers debut Friday vs. Timberwolves

The much-anticipated debut of former NBA MVP James Harden with the Philadelphia 76ers will happen Friday, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Harden, 32, was traded to Philadelphia two weeks ago in a blockbuster deal that sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and a pair of first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets. But Harden hasn't yet played for the 76ers as he rehabbed a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for what turned out to be his final three games on the Nets roster.

The 76ers are currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 35-23 record and have been led by Joel Embiid, who is averaging 29.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Embiid is the favorite to be named the NBA MVP, but Philadelphia's chances at reaching the NBA Finals will depend on the chemistry of the duo of Embiid and Harden.

Harden earned his 10th consecutive All-Star nod this season and averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 assists, and 8.0 rebounds in his 44 games with the Nets this season.