Once again, the NBA has found itself in a major COVID-19 dilemma.
In light of COVID-19 cases skyrocketing throughout the NBA, there is doubt growing among players that the league will be able to conclude the 2021-22 season.
“There is skepticism among some players, even with boosters, that the league will be able to complete the season, although the league muscled through last season, even as teams like Washington were out for almost two weeks during the regular season after COVID swept through the Wizards’ roster,” wrote David Aldridge of The Athletic. “There is great concern about the higher transmission rate of Omicron than Delta, even though preliminary trials seem to indicate Omicron is less lethal than Delta was. And, going into Christmas Week, players obviously want to know how infectious they are if they come in close contact with loved ones.”
NBA fans have seen multiple players test positive for the virus and several games become postponed in recent weeks as cases increase throughout the country.
On Sunday, it was announced that the Cleveland Cavaliers had a COVID-19 outbreak as five players tested positive. Their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday got postponed.
Dozens of superstars, such as LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo, have been placed in health and safety protocols.
The Los Angeles Lakers played on Sunday night without head coach Frank Vogel, who also entered health and safety protocols.
When the NBA freshly faced the COVID-19 eruption during the 2019-20 campaign, it moved to a bubble to finish the season. However, it doesn’t appear that league will do the same with the current situation.
