James Harden Violated COVID Protocol; Rockets/Thunder Postponed

James Harden can't catch a break, and sorry, but it's mostly his own fault, as the NBA investigated and found that Harden did indeed break COVID protocol. Now because of several players testing positive and the contact tracing completed, it's been deemed the Rockets won't have the necessary eight players.

In result, the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder season opener for tonight has been postponed.

James Harden is unavailable due to a violation of the health and safety Protocols, NBA says. Three Rockets have returned positive or inconclusive coronavirus tests. Four others are quarantined due to contact tracing. https://t.co/K600Zr16DC

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 23, 2020

As we reported earlier today, Harden was spotted at a friend's Christmas party and was not wearing a mask, breaking the protocol sent out by the league.

This is the first game of the 2020-21 season to be postponed, but you can bet it won't be the last. 

Health and safety is paramount and Harden needs to take this a little more serious. Even though he wants out of Houston, he has to be a professional.

Step your game up, James.

Photo credit:  Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire