Celtics’ Horford out ‘a few games’ with knee pain

James Harden wants to play for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers are in the process of trying to accommodate his preference, sources on both sides tell Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Harden is “extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the organization,” sources close to him told Amick.

Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are supportive of the idea of the Clippers trading for Harden.

“There is strong optimism on Harden’s side” that he will be dealt to the Clippers.

Harden took a significant pay cut last offseason when he declined his $47.4 million player option with the Sixers to sign a one-plus-one for less money. The widespread expectation was Harden would then reenter free agency this offseason and re-sign for a long-term deal.

The Sixers, however, were prepared to force Harden to test the market before making any offer. The Sixers were preparing a short-term deal.

The Denver Nuggets have advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history with their 113-111 Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Nuggets overcame a 15-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Lakers 36-16 to take control of the game. Denver then withstood a late rally from the Lakers and suffocated LeBron James on the final play of the game.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists. Jokic was also named Western Conference Finals MVP.

James had 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a losing effort for the Lakers. James scored 30 points in the first half.

The Nuggets will play the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals with the Miami Heat currently up 3-0 over the Boston Celtics. The Finals will begin on Thursday, June 1st.