Two months after the NBA’s 2023-22 season, the league is feeling the effects of the latest surge in COVID-19.
In the first six weeks of the season, 16 players were placed on the league’s COVID health and safety protocols, which exclude any player who tests positive for COVID-19 for a minimum of 10 days. In the two weeks since then, that number has more than doubled, with more than 35 players and head coaches losing time.
16 players entered the NBA’s COVID protocols during the first 6 weeks of the season.
Number of players that have been included in the protocols during the last 2 weeks: 31 and counting.
– Josh Lewenberg (@ JLew1050) December 14, 2023
MORE: Explaining the NBA’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols
Among the currently sidelined players are former MVPs Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden, as well as former LaMarcus All-Stars Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, Dwight Howard, Zach LaVine and Paul Millsap.
The Bulls have felt the impact more than any other team this season, as two of their games were postponed due to having 10 players on health and safety protocols.
The following was released by the NBA pic.twitter.com/afG3OqvqlB
– NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 13, 2023
Under NBA rules, a game is only postponed when a team has fewer than eight available players, but that problem had been largely avoided due to the NBA’s hardship exemption, which grants teams temporary spots in the league. ready in the event of an outbreak or multiple serious injuries. Both the Bulls and Nets, who currently have seven players in league protocols, have used the hardship waiver until this point in the season.
MORE: NBA Hardship Waiver Explained
Sporting News has the list of NBA players currently in league protocols:
NBA Players on COVID Health and Safety Protocols
Brooklyn Nets (seven players)
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- DeAndre Bembry
- Bruce brown
- Jevon carter
- James harden
- James johnson
- Paul millsap
Chicago Bulls (10 players)
- Troy Brown Jr.
- DeMar DeRozan
- Come on Dosunmu
- Javonte Green
- Alize johnson
- Stanley johnson
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- Zach LaVine
- Matt thomas
- Coby white
Denver Nuggets (single player)
- Austin rivers
Indiana Pacers (head coach)
- Rick carlisle
Los Angeles Lakers (three players)
- Talen Horton-Tucker
- Dwight howard
- Malik Monk
Memphis Grizzlies (single player)
- Already dwelling
Miami Heat (single player)
- Caleb Martin
Milwaukee Bucks (three players)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Donte DiVincenzo
- Wesley matthews
New York Knicks (three players)
- Rj barrett
- Quentin grimes
- Obi Toppin
Philadelphia 76ers (single player)
- Georges niang
Sacramento Kings (head coach)
- Alvin gentry
Toronto Raptors (single player)
- Precious Achiuwa
Washington Wizards (Single Player)
- Kyle kuzma