In the aftermath of his violating coronavirus protocols and absorbing a $50,000 fine, the NBA is mandating that Houston Rockets All-Star James Harden quarantine and test negative for four days, which should clear the way for his return on Saturday against the Portland Trail Blazers, sources told ESPN.

The league's medical staff started the clock on a Harden quarantine with Tuesday's negative test and he should receive clearance on Friday, sources said.

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN

ANALYSIS: The Rockets couldn't even play their season opener on Wednesday night due to a potential in-house outbreak, so we'll see if giving it a go on Saturday will work out. It's not just Harden who has been under the microscope with protocols; John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins were considered high-risk due to a haircut session, as well as rookie KJ Martin and others.