Washington Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard has provided more information on the COVID-19 outbreak that has kept his team out of action since a 128-107 win over the Phoenix Suns this past Monday.
According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Sheppard told reporters during a Friday video conference that six Washington players have tested positive for the coronavirus, and another three are unavailable due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
A club must dress a minimum of eight healthy and available players to compete.
Sheppard added that no staff members have yet tested positive.
Washington wasn’t able to play against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday or the Detroit Pistons on Friday, and also had Sunday and Monday matchups against the Cleveland Cavaliers called off. The Wizards will hope to be cleared to play at the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
Coronavirus-related issues have resulted in the NBA postponing 12 games this week and 13 contests since the season began on Dec. 22. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that the league and National Basketball Players Association will likely soon agree to expand roster limits in an attempt to prevent at least some future postponements.
Early Friday evening, Minnesota Timberwolves star center Karl-Anthony Towns tweeted that he has tested positive for the coronavirus. Towns has lost his mother and seven relatives, in total, to COVID-19 complications during the health crisis.
