For Harden to become the best version of himself, the Sixers have asked him to change his routine. “The big thing with James is once he’s had those injuries, you can tell he doesn’t want to play at top speed because that’s how you’ll hurt it,” Rivers said. “Simon’s philosophy is the exact opposite. To get him playing at that speed, you condition the hamstring to be able to play at that speed.” Since then, Rivers observed that “James has bought into him 100%.” Rivers reported that Harden has completed full-court sprints at practices. “That probably hurts him for the game,” Rivers said. “But we’re not worried about the game as much as we’re worried about being ready for the playoffs.”