Rockets coach Stephen Silas says James Harden did not attend the team's first practice today as Houston had hoped. Silas says that Harden is expected to participate in an individual workout later tonight.

Silas says that NBA coronavirus protocol prevented Harden from joining the team's first group practice ..." I want him here and I want him to be a big part of what we're doing," Silas said.

Source: Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter)

ANALYSIS: James Harden reportedly attended a birthday party in Atlanta for rapper Lil' Baby earlier in the week and will now be forced to miss the Rockets first team practice due to the COVID-19 protocols put in place by the league. Newly acquired Rocket John Wall did say he had a great conversation with Harden after the trade and that he fully expects Harden to be a Rocket this season.