News+Notes:
Thunder-Rockets postponed, Harden out following COVID-19 violation,
Houston’s season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night was postponed after coronavirus cases and James Harden’s violation of the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols left the Rockets without the league-mandated eight players available.
The NBA announced the postponement in a release that said three Rockets players had returned tests that were either positive or inconclusive and that four other players were quarantined because of contact tracing.
The release also said that Harden was unavailable for the game because of a violation of health and safety protocols after video of the disgruntled star surfaced on social media where he
was without a mask at a crowded party in a private event space Tuesday night.
Pro football
HASKINS FINED, IN LINE TO START FOR WASHINGTON » Dwayne Haskins was handed a hefty fine for partying with several people not wearing a mask but will start at quarterback for Washington on Sunday against Carolina if Alex Smith isn’t healthy enough to go.
The organization fined Haskins $40,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Hockey
HURRICANES’ OUTDOOR STADIUM SERIES GAME POSTPONED » The NHL has postponed the outdoor Stadium Series game in North Carolina that was expected to be played in February.
The NHL says the game will be played in North Carolina at another time.
Baseball
DODGERS SIGNING KAHNLE » The Dodgers are signing free agent reliever Tommy Kahnle to a two-year deal, The Athletic reported. MLB Network said the contract is valued at $5.25 million.
The 31-year- old righthander is coming off Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in August.