Reports: Rudy Gobert ruled out against Houston Rockets for health & safety protocols

Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert has officially been listed as out for Saturday night's game against the Houston Rockets. The news, which was broken by Shams Charania, cited the NBA's health & safety protocols as the reason for Gobert's absence.

This is the third time that Gobert has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the second time that the three-time DPOY has entered health & safety protocols.

The first time Gobert tested positive for the virus, the league hadn't implemented health & safety protocols yet. The lone time he was sidelined by the league's COVID protocols came at the start of 2022, and saw the Utah Jazz go through a slump.

The news is unfortunate for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team currently has a below-average 4-5 record for the Western Conference and will need a full roster if they hope to snap a three-game losing streak.

The NBA's health and safety protocols dictate that any player who tests positive must provide two negative tests at least 24 hours apart. In addition, Gobert cannot be showing any symptoms of the coronavirus during that period.

Gobert is currently the only player on the roster to be sidelined as a result of the league's health and safety protocols. With that said, however, it was reported going into Friday's game with the Milwaukee Bucks that Anthony Edwards was questionable. At the time, it was reported that Edwards had a non-COVID related illness and was allowed to play.

Given the news regarding the team's center, Edwards could very well face increased testing prior to the game against the Rockets.

Rudy Gobert's controversial past regarding Coronavirus

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz - Game 6.

Rudy Gobert is no stranger to controversy regarding COVID-19. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year notoriously made headlines at the start of the virus outbreak. During a press conference that took place right before the league temporarily shut down in 2020, Gobert infamously joked about the virus.

That wasn't all, the French superstar also made sure to jokingly touch all the microphones onstage, sparking outrage. When the league was temporarily shut down as a result of the virus, reports indicated that Gobert's relationship with Donovan Mitchell had been strained. According to Mitchell however, the two were able to patch things up and grow closer from there.

Minnesota Timberwolves look ahead in Rudy Gobert's absence

OKC Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves.

Gobert's absence may not put the team in jeopardy against the 1-8 Houston Rockets, however, the team does have some tough games ahead. Following Saturday's game, the team will take on the New York Knicks on Monday.

Things only get tougher from there. The team will play the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and the Cleveland Cavaliers next Sunday.

Considering how stacked the Western Conference is, the Timberwolves need to get the job done against teams at or below .500 like the Rockets and Knicks. Depending on how long Rudy Gobert is out, things could get rocky for the Minnesota franchise over the course of the next week.

Stay tuned for updates as they become available.