As the number of positive COVID-19 tests around the NBA increases, the New Orleans Pelicans are among the teams that have not yet been tested, according to Andrew Lopez of ESPN.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that two players tested positive for the coronavirus and are currently asymptomatic and under the care of the team physician.
Shortly after the Lakers’ announcement, Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart said on social media that he also tested positive for the virus. Smart added that he is in good spirits and doing well but demanded that the public take precautions and practice social distancing.
In addition to those three players, the Philadelphia 76ers announced that three members of the organization tested positive for COVID-19 but did not specify if they were players. Those individuals are in self-isolation and under the care of medical professionals.
One member of the Denver Nuggets also tested positive for COVID-19.
The league has come under fire over the number of players that have been tested with no symptoms while examinations for citizens showing symptoms have been difficult to obtain. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on Wednesday that eight teams have been tested to this point based on recommendations made by public health officials.
No members of the Pelicans’ full traveling party have shown symptoms and the team does not plan to test them in order to allow those who need to be tested to get them first.
The New Orleans Pelicans have yet to administer any COVID-19 testing, according to a source.
Team’s full traveling party has not shown symptoms and team is committed to not having anyone tested in order to allow those who truly need tests to get them first.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) March 20, 2020
After the results of Thursday came to light, at least 14 players or staff members of NBA teams have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past week.
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