TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors stopped practicing as a team, instead working with individual coaches.
It’s a precautionary measure being introduced as Toronto’s game against Orlando on Monday night was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the Magic.
The Raptors have also been affected by the coronavirus. On Monday, the team added Gary Trent Jr. to the NBA’s protocol roster, where he joins star forward Pascal Siakam and rookie Dalano Banton.
Toronto’s new practice regimen will feature only one player and one coach punching into a net at a time.
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There are six nets at the Raptors’ practice facility, but a team spokesperson says they will likely limit practice to four of the hoops.
All players and team personnel will be evaluated before entering the OVO Athletic Center.
Toronto’s next game is Wednesday in Chicago.
Monday’s game against Orlando at Scotiabank Arena was one of several that the NBA postponed. Sunday’s games between Denver and Brooklyn, Cleveland and Atlanta and New Orleans and Philadelphia were postponed, while Tuesday’s game between the Wizards and Nets was also eliminated.
The Raptors are well aware of the challenges of COVID-19. The team suffered a major outbreak that affected several key players and most of the coaching staff last March, and fell in the Eastern Conference standings during that time, missing the playoffs.
Team president Masai Ujiri also announced that he had tested positive at his African Giants event on December 5. Forward Precious Achiuwa just returned to the lineup on Saturday after being on COVID protocol for 10 days due to close contact.
This Canadian Press report was first published on December 20, 2021.
© 2021 The Canadian Press
Reference-globalnews.ca