#NBA investigating Danuel House for breaking bubble rules with female testing official

The Houston Rockets may be without forward Danuel House Jr. for the remainder of the Western Conference semifinals as the NBA looks into an allegation that he allowed a female COVID-19 testing official into his hotel room, Yahoo Sports reported Thursday.

House, the Rockets’ 27-year-old sixth man, denies committing any violation that would prompt the league to probe his activity within the team hotel.

ESPN first reported that House did not leave the NBA bubble campus. A decision from the league is expected to be announced before Game 4 Thursday, per Yahoo Sports.

After House was a late scratch in the Rockets’ Game 3 loss to the Lakers, it was said to be due to “personal reasons.” ESPN’s report says there has been no indication the league will allow House to play in Game 4 Thursday as Los Angeles leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.

The National Basketball Players Association has reportedly been talking to league officials on House’s behalf. Per the report, the league is contemplating whether House should be subject to a 10-day quarantine period for the alleged violation.

The Rockets are reportedly the lone remaining team staying at Walt Disney World’s Grand Florida Resort, which is where the team undergoes its daily testing.

House wouldn’t be the first NBA player to have to quarantine for breaking the rules in the bubble. Houston teammate Bruno Caboclo and Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes had to spend 10 days in quarantine for violating campus protocol soon after teams reported to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

Averaging 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game during the playoffs, House has been referred to by Houston coach Mike D’Antoni as one of the league’s most underrated two-way players.