East Notes: Sixers, James Harden, Celtics, Al Horford, Cavs

76ers

• Guard James Harden intended to travel with the Sixers to their games in Milwaukee and Toronto, but the Sixers though he might serve as a distraction, per Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.
• So, as we relayed here, Harden will stay back in Philadelphia, working out at the practice facility in Camden, N.J., for at least the first two games.
• Harden requested a trade to the Clippers and it appears the Clippers are now all in on acquiring him. But still, Los Angeles and Philadelphia are no closer to a deal.
• Former Sixers coach Doc Rivers said that not making the All-Star team last season really bothered Harden, and that may be where the issues with the Sixers actually began.
• Harden was not among the players putting up shots after Wednesday’s practice, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Celtics

• Center/forward Al Horford will start the season as a reserve, coming off the bench for the first time during his stops in Boston, as relayed by RealGM.
• The Celtics acquired big man Kristaps Porzingis during the offseason and are using him at the center spot, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as the forwards, and Derrick White and Jrue Holiday in the starting backcourt.

Cavaliers

• Point guard Darius Garland (hamstring) went through shootaround on Wednesday and “all signs point” to Garland playing vs. the Nets, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Garland entered the opener listed as questionable.
• I have plenty more on the Cavs and what to expect for the season (or at least what I think) in my opening day dribbles. You can check them out here.