Memphis’ Jonas Valanciunas leaves game vs. Nets due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols
For the second night in a row, an opposing player has had to depart a game while facing the Brooklyn Nets due to the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. On Thursday, Philadelphia guard Seth Curry found out he tested positive for COVID-19 early in the 76ers’ loss to the Nets. On Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies announced big man Jonas Valanciunas would not take the floor in the second half due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
However, unlike Curry, Valanciunas did not test positive for COVID-19, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Nets currently have two players themselves sidelined due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Tyler Johnson was first ruled out for that reason on Wednesday. Kevin Durant is in the midst of a quarantine and could return for the Nets as early as Brooklyn’s game on Sunday at Barclays Center against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
