Houston Rockets’ Russell Westbrook tests positive for COVID-19

Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook announced Monday on social media that he’s tested positive for COVID-19.

Westbrook said the diagnosis was made before the Rockets departed for Orlando, Florida, where the NBA hopes to restart a season suspended earlier this year because of the threat posed by the novel coronavirus.

"I'm currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared," Westbrook wrote in a post shared on Twitter. "Thank you all for the well wishes and continued support."

Westbrook also urged people to wear masks and take other precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19.

"Please take this virus seriously," he wrote. "Be safe. Mask up!"

Neither Westbrook nor his teammates James Harden and Luc Mbah a Moute traveled with the team last week to Orlando, according to NBA.com. Coach Mike D’Atoni said Sunday that he hoped they would be able to join the rest of the Rockets at the NBA bubble in Disney World in the next few days, ESPN reported.

Westbrook is averaging 27.5 points, eight rebounds and seven assists per game for the Rockets this season. Houston has clinched a playoff spot and resumes its season with the first of eight seeding games on July 31 against Dallas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group