Michael Wyke/Associated Press
The Houston Rockets might be beginning the season shorthanded against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Arena: “Several Houston Rockets, consisting of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and perhaps more, are anticipated to miss tonight’s season opener vs. OKC due to coronavirus contact tracing.”
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN added rookie guard Mason Jones’ status is also in question due to get in touch with tracing.
James Harden‘s status is likewise in concern. Per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Firecrackers and NBA are “ reviewing video of Harden partying maskless at a strip club to determine if he violated the league’s COVID-19 procedures, putting the perennial All-Star’s accessibility for Houston’s season opener Wednesday night in question.”
Harden denied he was at a strip club:
Rachel Nichols @Rachel__Nichols
From James Harden’s Instagram- the issue the NBA is investigating, of course, isn’t whether he was at a strip club particularly. It’s being at an indoor gathering with a crowd of individuals without a mask, all of which protests NBA rules right now. https://t.co/pXIMJvDQ9Z
As MacMahon kept in mind, the NBA’s coronavirus protocols prohibit players from going to clubs, bars or social gatherings with 15 or more individuals. Violating those protocols could result in a fine or suspension. Harden already violated the league’s protocols in the preseason when he checked out Las Vegas strip clubs and participated in rap artist Lil Baby’s birthday party.
Wojnarowski reported that both Wall and Cousins checked negative for COVID-19 however among the Firecrackers tested positive and is being re-tested, with MacMahon reporting that novice Kenyon Martin Jr. was noted on the team’s injury report as “ Not With Group– Self Isolating.”
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
There was a group of Houston players– consisting of Martin, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins– far from the center at an apartment or condo getting haircuts, sources stated. That’s led to the contact tracing on Wall and Cousins as team awaits more testing results on Martin, sources stated.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that “ the contact tracing which is anticipated to cause numerous gamers not being readily available tonight versus OKC is not tied to Solidify.”
The entire situation has left the Thunder in limbo, nevertheless:
When It Comes To the Firecrackers, it’s another complicated scenario in what has already been a tumultuous offseason, with Harden supposedly wishing to be traded and Russell Westbrook already flipped for Wall after being unhappy in Houston.
Not the simplest way for brand-new head coach Stephen Silas to begin his tenure with the Rockets.
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