Update: The Rockets’ home opener against the Thunder has been postponed, as Houston was unable to field the league minimum, eight players.
James Harden, who was one of the players due to miss the contest, has been fined $50,000 bt the league for violation of the league’s coronavirus-related health and safety protocols. Harden won’t be suspended but it’s unclear as to when he’ll return to the court, Marc Stein of the New York Times reports. The former MVP will require an unspecified amount of negative coronavirus tests before he’s allowed back with the team.
4:23 pm: Several Rockets players will miss the contest against the Thunder tonight because of COVID-19 contact tracing, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Rookie Kenyon Martin Jr. returned a positive test for coronavirus, per Woj, and the rookie will need to be tested again before he can play for the Rockets. Martin and several teammates, including John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, were gathered together on Tuesday evening in one of the player’s apartments getting haircuts. Martin is now self-isolating and away from the team.
Wall tested negative for COVID-19, though he is among the players sent home because of contact tracing. Cousins and rookie Jae’Sean Tate are also away from the team.
The reports come after James Harden‘s apparent visit to a nearby strip club. Harden tested negative for COVID-19, though the NBA is still investigating the situation.
