Isaiah Thomas out vs. Rockets due to COVID protocols

Isaiah Thomas is not yet ready to make his Pelicans debut. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Thomas not eligible to make Pelicans' debut vs. Rockets due to COVID protocols

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/4/21

Newly acquired Pelicans guard Isaiah Thomas will not make his New Orleans debut on Sunday against the Houston Rockets.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Thomas is still in the NBA's health and safety protocols and is scheduled to join the team on Monday:

The Pelicans say Isaiah Thomas cannot make his debut tonight against Houston because of the league's health and safety protocols. Thomas is scheduled to join the team on Monday.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 4, 2021

Thomas signed a 10-day deal with the Pelicans earlier in the week. He hasn't played in the NBA since February 2020 for the Washington Wizards. However, he led Team USA to a pair of wins in FIBA qualifying two months ago.

The 32-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 40.8% overall and 41.3% from deep with the Wizards last season.

Thomas has not been the same player, largely due to injury, since being a two-time All-Star with the Boston Celtics from 2015-17. He is hoping to stay healthy and land a full contract with the Pelicans.

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