In the aftermath of the elbow by Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers, James Harden’s health has somewhat taken a backseat to the anticipation of the pending suspension for the man formerly known as Ron Artest. With everyone waiting for the severe penalty to be handed down by the NBA, Harden has been trying to get back on the floor for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Even though the elbow to the head in Sunday’s game was vicious and looked much worse than it eventually turned to be, Harden still has to pass all the concussion in order to be cleared to play for the Thunder. Fortunately, the Thunder has the second seed in the bag with no threat of the Lakers jumping to that spot or the Los Angeles Clippers for that matter.

With that being said, the Thunder can simply rest Harden for the last two regular season games in order to have him healthy and ready to go for the NBA playoffs. Whether or not he still struggles to pass the numerous tests now mandated by the league get players back on the floor remains to be seen, but time seems to be working in the team’s favor moving forward.

Metta World Peace’s suspension however is still being mulled over by league officials. There is no real indication at this point in time just how severe this suspension will be for the former Defensive Player of the Year, but considering his past the NBA may go as harsh as keeping him out the rest of the year.

With the Lakers next game against the Sacramento Kings this Thursday night, the NBA will almost certainly make a decision on the length and fine of the suspension either today or tomorrow.

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