Rockets lose DJ Augustin to stint in health and safety protocols

For the second time in a month, veteran guard DJ Augustin will miss time for the Rockets due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

For the second time in a month, veteran guard DJ Augustin will miss time for the Houston Rockets due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, according to reports from Sunday’s practice. The news could lead to more time for reserve guards Armoni Brooks and rookie Josh Christopher.

Augustin missed two games on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 due to protocols, but that was due to an inconclusive test result, rather than a confirmed positive. The 14-year veteran later registered two negative results — which, as a fully vaccinated player, is all he needed to return. At the time, the 34-year-old said his daughter had tested positive for COVID-19.

In 14.9 minutes, Augustin is averaging 5.4 points and 2.3 assists per game during the 2021-22 season. He is shooting 41.3% on 3-pointers, which ranks second-best on the Rockets (trailing only Eric Gordon).

Thus far, Augustin is the only member of the Rockets who has missed time this season due to health and safety protocols. The team has yet to comment on his potential timetable for a return.

Houston has not played since Thursday, Dec. 23 and did not practice on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, so if Augustin did test positive, it’s possible that no teammates were exposed due to the timetable.

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