Thunder's James Harden Cleared To Play

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Thunder guard James Harden has been cleared to play after recovering from the concussion he suffered when the Los Angeles Lakers' Metta World Peace elbowed him in the back of the head.

Coach Scott Brooks said before Oklahoma City's game on Wednesday night that Harden passed the league-mandated tests to be medically cleared but was still being held out against Denver as a precaution.

Brooks says Harden "should be fine" to participate in the Thunder's practice sessions leading up to the playoffs this weekend.

World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, was suspended seven games for elbowing Harden. He'll miss the Lakers' regular-season finale Thursday night at Sacramento and then the start of the playoffs.