NBA: Forty-eight players test positive for coronavirus ahead of new season
The NBA said it tested 546 players
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Forty-eight NBA players tested positive for Covid-19, the league said on Wednesday, as players returned to their team's home markets for the start of the 2020-21 season on 22 December.
The NBA said it tested 546 players as part of its "initial return-to-market testing phase," which kicked off between 24-30 November. Anyone who tested positive was placed in isolation until cleared under league rules.
The league had few issues keeping its "bubble" environment at Walt Disney World free of the novel coronavirus as it carried out the end of their delayed season earlier this year, but now faces many of the same challenges other North American leagues have playing in the Covid-19 era.
With the exception of the Toronto Raptors, teams will play in their home markets this season, with individual player workouts starting this week and group workouts beginning Sunday.
The Raptors, the only Canadian team in the league, will start their season in Tampa, Florida, due to tight international travel restrictions, as Covid-19 cases soar in the United States, where hospitalizations hit a record for a fourth consecutive day on Tuesday.
The NFL, which is currently playing, and MLB, which wrapped its truncated, delayed season with the World Series in October, both grappled with numerous game postponements and Covid-19 positives, as players traveled from city to city to compete in a sports landscape thoroughly upended by the pandemic.
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments