by A.P.
An understrength Houston Rockets started their NBA campaign with a narrow 128-126 overtime defeat by the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Rockets had only nine players available – one above the NBA minimum – after two positive Covid-19 tests and four others were deemed close contacts.
Their scheduled season-opener on Wednesday against Oklahoma City had been postponed.
CJ McCollum’s three-pointer with 6.9 seconds left sealed the victory.
It came after a three-pointer from James Harden with 15.3 seconds left had put the Rockets 126-125 up.