Report: NBA nearing plan to shorten player quarantines after positive test
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are closing in on an agreement that will decrease the amount of time a player has to quarantine after a positive COVID-19 test, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Under certain scenarios, players could return after just six days of isolation, Wojnarowski reports. The league currently requires players to undergo a 10-day quarantine period after a positive result, though vaccinated athletes can return sooner if they produce two consecutive negative tests taken 24 hours apart.
The discussions between the league and the players union reportedly follow consultations with infectious disease experts.
The Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns are the only two teams of the 10 scheduled to play on Christmas Day that currently do not have a player sidelined due to health and safety protocols.
Reigning Finals MVP and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, and Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant are all set to miss their respective Christmas Day games unless they test out of protocols early.
In a memo sent to teams Tuesday, the NBA told those involved in the Christmas slate to prepare for possible changes to their start times if a contest has to be postponed.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday he won't suspend the season due to rising COVID-19 cases.
"This virus will not be eradicated, and we're going to have to learn to live with it," he said.