Rockets’ Russell Westbrook tests positive for coronavirus

[ESPN]

Houston Rockets star guard Russell Westbrook announced that he tested positive for the coronavirus before the team departed for Walt Disney World.

Westbrook, co-star James Harden and recent addition Luc Mbah a Moute did not travel with the Rockets to Orlando, Florida.

Coach Mike D’Antoni said Sunday he hoped all three players would be able to arrive at the NBA bubble in Disney World within three or four days. The Rockets had declined to specify a reason for the players’ absence.

“These are things that people are dealing with,” D’Antoni said.

The players will have to quarantine in their rooms for 48 hours after their arrival before practicing with the Rockets.

D’Antoni said the three players were working out “at their home bases,” and he expressed optimism that their delayed arrivals wouldn’t have a significant impact on the Rockets, particularly once the playoffs begin.

The Rockets are also without forward Bruno Caboclo, whom sources told ESPN inadvertently broke the initial quarantine period and must remain in his room for eight more days before joining team activities.

BY TIM MACMAHON