Oklahoma City-Houston Rockets Game Postponed, James Harden Will Not Play After COVID-19 Violation

Houston’s opening game against Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night has been postponed after coronavirus cases and James Harden’s COVID-19 violation.

Harden’s violation left the Rockets without the NBA’s mandated eight players available. According to the press release, three Houston Rockets players have returned tests that were either positive or inconclusive for coronavirus.

After three players testing positive or inconclusive results, James Harden is also unavailable due to a violation of the NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols.

A video surfaced earlier of Harden celebrating at an event with friends without wearing a mask. After people speculated that he was at a strip club, he took to his Instagram Stories to clarify what really occurred. “One thing after another, I went to show love to my homegirl at her event (not a strip club) because she is becoming a boss and putting her people in position of success and now it’s a problem. Everyday it’s something different. No matter how many times people try to drag my name under you can’t. The real always end on top.”

Due to Harden not following the Health and Safety Protocols, the Rockets’ player was fined $50,000 for violating the league’s Health and Safety Protocols. The protocols “prohibit attending indoor social gathering of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs, or similar establishments,” announced by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations.

James Harden has been fined $50k by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/7RlBF9jD1X

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) December 24, 2020

The video of James Harden at the strip club

(Via @BSO ) https://t.co/4LHIthYhxH

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 23, 2020

Tonight's game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center has been postponed in accordance with the league’s Health and Safety Protocols. pic.twitter.com/Qn0hXlxCZr

— NBA (@NBA) December 23, 2020