Rivers leaves Rockets, NBA bubble, for 'family matter'

[July 25, 2020]    Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers left the NBA's bubble at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, according to reports from ESPN and The Athletic.

New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Austin Rivers (25) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs Stephen Jackson (3) during the second half of their NBA basketball in New Orleans, Louisiana October 31, 2012. REUTERS/Sean Gardner

Rivers' absence is due to an "urgent family matter" per The Athletic's Shams Charania. Sources told ESPN that the Rockets expect Rivers to able to return to the NBA bubble in a matter of days.

Once Rivers returns to the NBA bubble, he will have to quarantine in a hotel room before he can resume team activities with the Rockets per NBA protocol. The quarantine period could be as short as four days if Rivers has negative COVID-19 tests during his quarantine period.

Rivers is a member of the Rockets' second unit, and is averaging 8.5 points and 23.4 minutes per game this season.

The Rockets have had just two practices with their full rotation in Florida after guard Russell Westbrook cleared quarantine protocols following a late arrival in Orlando.

--Field Level Media

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