Celtics add three players to COVID protocol list
The impacts of the Celtics’ COVID outbreak continue to roll in, with three more players being added to the health & safety protocol on Saturday evening.
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 30: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on December 30, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Kathryn Riley/Getty ImagesBy Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
The impacts of the Celtics' COVID outbreak continue to roll in. Less than 24 hours after their win over the Wizards on Friday night, the team has had four players either test positive or be placed in a preventative quarantine due to contact tracing.
On Saturday morning, news broke that Jayson Tatum was being placed in quarantine and would be unavailable for 10-14 days. Later in the afternoon, we found out Tatum had tested positive. Per Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, Tatum is asymptomatic and awaiting the results of a confirmation test. As a precautionary measure, the Celtics canceled practice on Saturday and closed their facility.
The team announced via their injury report on Saturday evening that three more players are now questionable due to the league's health and safety COVID protocol. Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye, and Javonte Green may not be available for Sunday's game against the Heat, likely due to contact tracing.
Earlier this week, Robert Williams tested positive for COVID, with Grant Williams and Tristan Thompson put into quarantine due to their proximity. Between all of those cases and potential cases, Boston could have as few as eight players active when they play Miami.
COVID cases continue to be a problem not just for the Celtics, but around the NBA. Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting Wizards' star Bradley is entering the protocol due to his exposure to Tatum on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers were forced to play a game with just seven active players on Saturday, falling to the Nuggets, 115-103.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
