Multiple Wizards players are under coronavirus protocols, forcing the Jazz game to be postponed

The Washington Wizards were supposed to play the Utah Jazz tomorrow, but the game was postponed just minutes after our preview was released. This is because there are fewer than eight players available to play tomorrow due to the NBA’s current coronavirus protocols, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Wizards also released a statement confirming that the game will be postponed soon after.

In short, this means that at least half of the Wizards’ players are close contacts to someone who very recently got the coronavirus, or have COVID-19 itself. We won’t know for sure until we get through the next few days.

I am not surprised that the Wizards are in this situation because they were exposed to multiple players on other teams who tested positive for the coronavirus a day or two after playing them. I don’t blame the Wizards or their management for this. Rather, I blame the NBA for this situation.

Anyway, given that the Wizards have multiple players, not just Moritz Wagner and Rui Hachimura under protocol, this likely means that some players on the roster have the coronavirus now. And even if only one or two players end up getting the virus, it’s important to cast a wide net with contact tracing. These types of quarantine measures are necessary to take steps to stop the spread.

I am angry right now at the NBA’s haphazard approach to operating this season while the pandemic was raging at its peak in a country where there is no true national plan. While most NBA players will probably have a minor case if they get it, you never know who else the players could inadvertently infect before testing positive. Just saying.

So social distance. Wear the face masks because they can be cool fashion accessories as much as they are public safety tools now! And stay at home when possible.

Get well soon Wizards.