It doesn’t sound like Celtics-Raptors Game 1 will go on as scheduled
The NBA is unlikely to get back to work on Thursday, putting Game 1 between the Celtics and Raptors up in the air.
Aug 26, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; The Milwaukee Bucks bench remains empty after the scheduled start of an NBA basketball first round playoff game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Ashley Landis/Pool Photo/USA TODAY Sports98.5 The Sports Hub staff report
A leaguewide protest that postponed Wednesday's slate of playoff games isn't expected to end on Thursday, putting three games -- including Game 1 between the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics -- in doubt, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
"Everyone is still too emotional," one 'high-ranking' source told Woj. "There needs to be more time to come together on this."
The NBA shutdown started on Wednesday with the Milwaukee Bucks' decision to boycott their Game 5 against the Orlando Magic following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., which is located 40 miles from Milwaukee.
“The past four months have shed a light on the ongoing racial injustices facing our African American community,” Bucks forward Sterling Brown said in a statement. “Citizens around the country have used their voices and platforms to speak out against these wrongdoings. Over the last few days in our home state of Wisconsin, we have seen the horrendous video of Jacob Blake being shot in the back seven times by a police officer in Kenosha and the additional shooting of protestors.
"Despite the overwhelming plea for change, there have been no actions, so our focus cannot be on basketball.”
Their decision, which was supported by Bucks management and ownership, prompted the postponement of the other two games on the NBA schedule (Rockets-Thunder and Lakers-Blazers), and led to an "all hands on deck" meeting inside the Orlando bubble on Wednesday night. That included players, coaches, and even referees.
That meeting discussed whether or not the league should continue on with the 2020 playoffs, with the LeBron James and the Lakers, as well as the Clippers, reportedly voting to not continue the season.
The talks are far from over, too, as NBA players will reportedly hold another meeting on Thursday morning to decide how to proceed with the 2020 postseason.
