Veteran guard DJ Augustin was a late scratch for the Houston Rockets prior to Monday’s home game versus Oklahoma City, with the team citing health and safety protocols as the reason for his absence.
While they did not confirm whether Augustin had tested positive for COVID-19 or was simply a close contact, that designation often leads to a multi-game absence. Head coach Stephen Silas said in his pregame news conference that the team did not yet have a timetable for the return of Augustin, who typically serves as Houston’s backup point guard.
“DJ is in health and safety protocols,” Silas said in a succinct update. “So he’s out tonight, and hopefully he’ll be back soon.”
Augustin is averaging 3.7 points (37.1% on 3-pointers) and 1.9 assists in 12.4 minutes per game this season. With Augustin out and rookie guard Jalen Green also sidelined (left hamstring strain), that could open up a small rotation role for fellow rookie Josh Christopher, who was recalled from Houston’s NBA G League affiliate earlier in the day.
