NBA postpones games in Dallas and Chicago due to increasing COVID-19 cases?

When NBA decided to resume ir 2020-21 season in December, numerous red flags were raised. Some worried about players playing after a handful of days of rest, while some raised concern about ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Before NBA, NFL and MLB have had outbreaks between, making it difficult for teams to complete ir season. w, as NBA has had to postpone four games in total, reports hint at a possible change in health and safety protocols already in place. 

Also read | Celtics vs Heat postponed after player's COVID-19 test results return without conclusion

Two more NBA games postponed due to COVID-19 crisis

On Monday (Tuesday IST), NBA anunced that y will postpone two more games – New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls. league's decision came due to ir extensive health and safety precautions. As players test and come back with positive/inconclusive results – teams are left with less than required number of players due to contact tracing. 

As per Athletic's Shams Charania, league will hold a meeting to dealing with se outbreaks across teams. meeting – involving  National Basketball Players Association and General Manrs – could decide upon some possible rule changes. With more players testing positive, reports have spoken of league's course of action, considering ir run at NBA bubble in Orlando went without a single incident. 

Also read | Celtics' depleted roster for postponed game vs Heat leaves NBA fans confused on Twitter

Why was Mavericks game postponed?

Like previous games, Mavericks-Pelicans matchup was postponed as Dallas do t have eight players available. After ir game against Denver Nuggets last week, three players (Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jalen Brunson) were quarantined after ar player's positive test. While or positive test was expected, Maxi Kleber tested positive – which had franchise shut down ir practice. w, at least five more Mavericks' players are being quarantined. 

Mavericks COVID-19 troubles

Why was Bulls game postponed?

On or hand, for Celtics, this is ir second game being postponed. While ir encounter against Miami Heat was pushed ahead due to latter having a less-than-required number of players, this time it was Celtics with fewer players. As a result of contact tracing, players will need to quarantine, testing negative for COVID-19 till y are allowed to play again. 

Also read | Beal scores 34, Wizards beat Suns 128-107 for first home win

Will NBA health and safety protocols change

Despite countless positive tests and postponements, NBA is apparently determined to continue and complete current season. While league had reportedly considered January outbreaks, y will need to bring changes as multiple games are being pushed for later. As per reports, board of goverrs will meet this week, discussing how season will move ahead.

Also read | Young's 26 points lead Hawks past short-handed 76ers, 112-94

“We’re in uncharted waters,” Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers said while speaking to Associated Press. y also reported that currently, NBA GMs have hinted at teams possibly increasing roster sizes. Additionally, players will asked to be more careful about interactions including (but t limited to) handshakes and hugs while being more mindful about distancing and wearing masks. 

Before 2020-21 campaign began, NBA commissioner Adam Silver had spoken about league being halted altoger. If protocols did t work, league will once again be suspended – that is if league experiences a massive outbreak. 

“I think we are prepared for isolated cases. In fact, based on what we’ve seen in preseason, based on watching or leagues operating outside bubble, unfortunately, it seems somewhat inevitable," he added. 

(Im credits: AP)