The “personal reasons” cited by the Houston Rockets for the absence of forward Danuel House Jr. in Tuesday’s Game 3 (and potentially in Thursday’s Game 4) involve an alleged violation of the NBA’s “bubble” protocol, per Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Per Wojnarowski, House has denied any wrongdoing to the league, and the matter is currently being discussed between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Wojnarowski reported that House’s status for the remainder of the series was in jeopardy, pending the investigation. Due to COVID-19, any exposure to outside elements would require an extended self-quarantine period before that player would be allowed to rejoin his teammates and play in a game.
Prior to his Game 3 absence, Houston coach Mike D’Antoni said the team had practiced Monday with House, and with no knowledge that he would be unavailable. The team did not elaborate on the reasons for his absence, other than to say it was not due to a positive COVID-19 test.
House was a late scratch for Rockets’ Game 3 loss to the Lakers due to “personal reasons” and is listed as "out" for Thursday’s Game 4 on the official injury report. Sources say league hasn't cleared him to play in Game 4 yet, but NBPA and NBA are discussing issue. https://t.co/VFY865aLlH
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 10, 2020
At Wednesday’s practice, D’Antoni said the Rockets “haven’t heard yet” whether House would be available for Game 4, which seemed to signify that the decision would come from some other entity (such as the league office). Later in the day, he was officially listed as out — though that designation could be revised on Thursday, if he’s cleared to play.
The #Rockets "haven't heard yet" on the potential availability of Danuel House Jr. for Game 4, per Mike D'Antoni.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 9, 2020
If he isn’t cleared, it would again be a significant loss for the Rockets. With the 6-foot-6 House unavailable off the bench, Jeff Green was the team’s only reserve to score during the Game 3 loss, in which the Los Angeles bench outscored their Houston counterparts by a 42-16 margin.
In nine playoff games, House has averaged 11.4 points (35.8% on 3-pointers) and 5.8 rebounds in 31.0 minutes per game, and he’s among the most athletic and versatile options for the team’s switch-heavy defense.
In Sunday’s Game 2, the 27-year-old had 13 points and five rebounds off the bench, and he hit 3-of-7 from 3-point range (42.9%).
Game 4 between the Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers tips off at 6:00 p.m. Central on Thursday, with a national TV broadcast on TNT.
The Rockets now trail the second-round series by a 2-1 margin, which makes Game 4 crucial for them. Historically, only 12 teams in NBA history have overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a best-of-seven series.
Danuel House Jr. is listed as out for personal reasons in the afternoon injury report. Those things can, and sometimes do change, but not often from out. Robert Covington (headache) is listed as questionable.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 9, 2020
