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The Houston Rockets received more good news today. Russell Westbrook, who was delayed arriving to the Orlando bubble due to a positive COVID-19 test and didn’t join the team until Monday night, has officially cleared the NBA’s Orlando bubble quarantine protocol and is expected to practice with the team today, according to ESPN’s Tim McMahon.
Russell Westbrook has cleared the NBA’s quarantine protocol and will practice with the Rockets today, per source.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 22, 2020
Westbrook was required to do a two-day quarantine in his hotel room before being allowed to join the team, and he also had to test negative for COVID-19 twice before even being allowed on campus.
Russell Westbrook greeting Coach Mike D’Antoni after clearing quarantine here in Orlando. Russ will practice with the Rockets this morning. When asked if he willl play in Houston’s scrimmage Friday, he said : “Honestly, I have to see if I can make a layup - let’s start there.” pic.twitter.com/KvwHcIwTi4
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) July 22, 2020
This is, of course, nothing but great news for the Rockets, who open their scrimmages on Friday, however, Westbrook is not expected to play. He is, however, expected to be a full go by the time the Rockets open their bubble schedule on July 31 against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Rockets initially started training camp without Russ, James Harden, and Luc Mbah a Moute. Harden joined the team last week, and now Russ, and the team is still waiting on Mbah a Moute, though he is reported to have cleared and may even arrive as early as today.
Mike D’Antoni says Luc Mbah a Moute has been cleared and could arrive in Orlando as soon as today.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 22, 2020
Check back at TDS later. If Luc arrives, we’ll post on it.