Skip to content

Report: Wall, Cousins could miss Rockets' opener due to contact tracing

Randy Belice / National Basketball Association / Getty

The Houston Rockets could be without DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, and potentially others for their season opener Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to COVID-19 contact tracing, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The contact tracing is a result of testing on rookie KJ Martin, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Wall tested negative for COVID-19, according to Wojnarowski. However, he's reportedly one of several Rockets players who have been sent home following Martin's positive test. Cousins, too, has reportedly tested negative.

The contact tracing was initiated because Martin, Wall, and Cousins were among a group of players getting haircuts at an apartment away from the Rockets' facility, sources told Wojnarowski. The team is reportedly awaiting further test results on Martin.

Star guard James Harden may also be unavailable for Houston as the league reportedly investigates the former MVP for potentially violating the NBA's health protocols.

It's unclear how many Rockets players may be sidelined for Wednesday's game. The team's 1:30 p.m. ET injury report lists Martin and guard Ben McLemore as out, with both self-isolating. Cousins is also listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain.

The Thunder, meanwhile, haven't heard from the league about any potential schedule changes, according to Tim Bontemps of ESPN.

Wall and Cousins were set to make their first regular-season appearances after lengthy injury absences. Wall hasn't played since Dec. 26, 2018 due to a heel issue, and then an Achilles tear suffered in his home. Cousins missed all of last season after tearing his left ACL in August 2019.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox