Last Friday, we wrote an article about Houston Rockets’ stars, James Harden and Russell Westbrook missing the team flight down to Orlando. Now we know the reason why, at least for Westbrook.
Westbrook has contracted Covid-19 and there is no word on when he will make it down to Florida and if he will be available for the team’s first game on July 30th. Harden’s situation is more of a mystery. There’s no indication he has tested positive for the coronavirus, meaning there’s no real excuse to be away from his teammates.
Here’s is the statement from Westbrook’s Twitter account:
“I tested positive for Covid-19 prior to my team’s departure to Orlando,” said Westbrook in his statement. “I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared. Thank you all for the well wishes and continued support. Please take the virus seriously. Be safe. Mask up. #whynot”
Rockets now +1200 to win the NBA title
The Rockets are +1200 to win the NBA title at Winning Poker Network sportsbooks. That’s a big change from the +950 that was listed on Friday.
Houston is now tied for fourth in the league, along with the Celtics. The Lakers (+229), Bucks (+290) and Clippers (+292) are the clear top-3 teams.
The Westbrook and Harden situation is obviously huge for the squad. They combine to average over 61 PPG which is more than half of the total output.
This is the second-highest scoring team in the NBA.
The Rockets are playing with an extreme ‘small ball’ lineup. That hurts them in terms of rebounding and on defense. They need to outscore opponents on a nightly basis to win, and that’s far less likely if Westbrook is out of the lineup.
