Rockets-Thunder postponed, Harden among 8 Houston players unavailable
Wednesday's matchup between the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder has been officially postponed, the NBA announced.
The Rockets do not have the minimum eight players required to proceed with the game in accordance with the league's health and safety protocols.
Three Houston players registered positive or inconclusive coronavirus tests, and another four have since been quarantined following contact tracing.
James Harden was also listed as being unavailable due to a "violation" of health and safety protocols. The league had reportedly launched an investigation into the Rockets star after footage surfaced appearing to show him at a populated club without a mask.
Harden was fined $50,000 for the breach of protocols, with the eight-time All-Star escaping a suspension for violating rules prohibiting indoor social gatherings of 15. Harden has denied any wrongdoing.
Veterans John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins were reportedly among multiple Rockets players expected to miss the contest due to contact tracing. The team initiated tracing protocols after the pair were part of a group of players that received haircuts at a private apartment with rookie KJ Martin, who tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Wojnarowski.
Wall and Cousins have reportedly since tested negative. Harden also registered a negative test Wednesday, a source told Shelburne.
Wednesday's game was the scheduled season opener for both teams.