Two weeks before the start of basketball hostilities in Orlando, the Houston Rockets are looking at an NBA season restart without superstars James Harden and Russell Westbrook. The two were not with the Rockets that entered the bubble city this week, allegedly due to coronavirus infection.
The Rockets confirmed that three players failed to join the party that flew in to Orlando, with the third identified as Luc Mbah a Moute. The statement from Houston head coach Mike D'Antoni indicated that the players concerned have to deal with personal matters, but her made assurances that they would be joining the team soon.
D'Antoni added he remains optimistic that the players' delayed arrival or absence will not negatively impact on the Rockets' hopes of campaigning deep in the upcoming playoffs.
However, ESPN reported that Westbrook is unlikely to make his way to Orlando soon as the player announced on Twitter that he had caught the virus, although he appeared to be asymptomatic.
"I tested positive for COVID-19 prior to my team's departure to Orlando ... I'm currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared," Westbrook was reported as saying.
When exactly he will be cleared for travel to Orlando is not yet known. Westbrook is likely in quarantine at the moment, and when he gets the signal to board the plane for Florida, he again will be isolated for days before he can join the team.
It's safe to assume then that the Rockets will play in the first few games of the season minus the point guard, who has averaged 27 points per game for the team.
Most likely, it will be the same for Harden. Sport Bible said the shooting guard has the virus too and his health condition prevented him from making the trip to Florida. The report pointed to a claim made by Elite Media, supplied by an unknown source that the former MVP had contracted the dreaded bug.
No further details on James' condition were supplied by the report.
It is clear, however, that both Harden and Westbrook will be forced to skip Houston's early games. Per the same report, the NBA club will have to make do without help from the two league MVPs.
Yahoo Sports said the latest round of coronavirus infections will serve as a test if the Orlando bubble games would work, but optimism appears to be in effect for key league figures.
Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams said safety protocols are in place to ensure that all people taking part in the NBA season restart will remain safe from the virus that remains out of control in the United States and many parts of the world.
Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard is hopeful that the season will end as designed by NBA officials.
"All we can do is try to stay optimistic about it and positive, and hopefully we can finish this season," Leonard was quoted as saying.
