Starting forward Danuel House Jr. will miss Tuesday’s home game versus the Los Angeles Lakers and possibly more due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, per Houston head coach Stephen Silas.
The protocols are new for the 2020-21 season to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19 around the league. While House has missed the last four games due to back spasms, the timetable for House’s “protocols” stint did not begin until Monday, since House was present and shooting around at Toyota Center before Sunday’s game.
In comments after Monday’s team practice, Silas did not indicate a potential timetable for House’s return to the team. The required length for players to be in the protocol varies based on how the league’s experts evaluate the unique circumstances of each situation. Generally speaking, it can range from as little as a few days to as much as two weeks or more.
Danuel House Jr. remains out, but no longer due to back spasms. Now it's due to health and safety protocols. #Rockets
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) January 11, 2021
A 6-foot-6 small forward, House is averaging 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 32.5 minutes per game this season. The 27-year-old is among Houston’s most athletic and versatile defenders.
In addition to his defense, House has become one of Houston’s most reliable shooting options to help space the floor. In the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, House connected on 38.1% of his 3-point attempts.
If there’s any consolation for the Rockets (3-5), it could be that House’s absence while in the protocol might allow his back more time to recover before an eventual return to basketball activities.
Though Danuel House remains out, he has made loads of progress from his back spasms since mid-week when he could barely walk. He is on the floor running, shooting and smiling.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) January 10, 2021
I enjoy how every Danuel House self-creation attempt is either a step-back 3, or something wild. Idk how to call this layup but I'll take it pic.twitter.com/Ev27OsHpl1
— Disney Gary Clark (@Itamar1710) January 1, 2021
