Just as expected during this shortened 72-game season, multiple contests will be postponed throughout the campaign due to coronavirus regulations.
That was the case for the Houston Rockets, who were forced to postpone their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder following multiple positive tests amongst the players.
The Rockets didn't have the required eight available players.
The Rockets don't have the required eight available players, league says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 23, 2020
One of them was James Harden, who although he has tested negative for the virus, he did violate the NBA’s Health & Safety Protocolsand was fined $50,000.
Harden attended a private indoor party prior to the season opener, and the league regulations prohibit attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments.
Rockets' James Harden has been fined $50,000 for violating NBA’s health and safety protocols.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 24, 2020
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported multiple Rockets players' were reunited in a player's apartment getting haircuts, including John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, and that's the way they could've gotten exposed.
Rookies Jae’Sean Tate, Mason Jones and KJ Martin were also in attendance, and sources reported Martin had one positive coronavirus test result followed by a negative test result.
There was a group of Houston players -- including Martin, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins -- away from the facility at an apartment getting haircuts, sources said. That's led to the contact tracing on Wall and Cousins as team awaits more testing results on Martin, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 23, 2020