In an unexpected turn of events, James Harden's availability for the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain. The 10-time All-Star guard reportedly showed up for the Sixers' team flight to depart for Milwaukee but left the airport before the team's departure, according to a report by John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Following Harden's departure from the airport, the Sixers' front office reiterated their desire for him to ramp up his preparation and join the team at their training facility in Camden, as stated by a source. There is no exact timeline on his return, and the decision on Harden's readiness will be made by the Sixers' Vice President of Athlete Care, Simon Rice, and the team's medical staff.

Head coach Nick Nurse addressed the situation during a recent press conference, revealing that they would need a couple of sessions to evaluate Harden's status. Nurse explained that they are currently assessing the information day by day and expect a clearer picture in the next two days.

In the absence of Harden, the Sixers' starting lineup for the season opener is expected to consist of Tyrese Maxey, De'Anthony Melton, Tobias Harris, PJ Tucker, and Joel Embiid, as Nurse discussed earlier.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Harden, the Sixers remain focused on their goal of starting the season with a victory. All-Star center Joel Embiid emphasized the importance of being on the same page and working together as a team to achieve success. Embiid expressed confidence in their ability to adapt and strive for greatness, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Coach Nurse appeared optimistic and downplayed any potential issues related to Harden, emphasizing that the team's focus is primarily on the upcoming game. He praised the team's mental state, preparation, and hard work, highlighting their strong game plans and overall progress.

As the Sixers prepare for their season opener against the Bucks, the status of James Harden continues to hang in the balance. The team and its fans eagerly await further updates on whether Harden will be available to contribute on the court or if the Sixers will have to navigate their early matchups without their star guard.