Rockets Expect Boost From Russell Westbrook's Arrival in Orlando

Westbrook will land in Orlando on Monday, one week after announcing he tested positive for COVID-19.

It may have taken a series of delays, but the Rockets will be at full strength in Orlando when Russell Westbrook arrives at the NBA bubble on Monday. 

Both Westbrook and James Harden missed the Rockets' flight to Orlando on July 9. Harden arrived at the Grand Floridan Resort on July 14, taking the floor in his first practice two days later. The Rockets began to resemble their usual selves when Harden began practicing with the team. Adding Westbrook will truly kick off Houston's sprint for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. 

"It's definitely exciting. To have one of the biggest pieces back, it's just huge for our team and continuing to build on that chemistry," Rockets guard Austin Rivers told the media in a Zoom call on Monday. "Everybody is looking good, feeling good, and [Westbrook] is that last piece."

Westbrook will join Houston's practice once he passes two COVID-19 tests at least 24 hours apart. Head coach Mike D'Antoni said he expects Westbrook to be in-shape and ready to play when he takes the floor, a credit to the point guard's supreme fitness. 

"[Westbrook] has been working and he feels good. "D'Antoni said on Monday. "If you look at Russell, on his worst day he's probably in better shape than anybody we have. I think he'll come here and be ready to go."

Westbrook is in his 12th NBA season and his first with the Rockets. He struggled out of the gate in 2019-20, but the former MVP has dominated the competition since Jan. 1. Westbrook is averaging 32.3 points per game in his last 20 contests, shooting a blistering 52.7% from the floor. 

Houston's point guard is not expected to play in the Rockets' first scrimmage on July 24, though he should appear in at least one scrimmage before the regular season resumes, per D'Antoni. The Rockets' first seeding game in Orlando will be on July 31 as they face the Mavericks. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. CT.