Fortunately, neither of the Toronto Raptors‘ players are infected with Coronavirus. The entire team had to be tested after their road trip throughout West and a clash against the Utah Jazz.
As we all know the first two COVID-19 cases in the league were among the Jazzers, with Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell pickup up the virus. The Raptors were the last team to play in Salt Lake City, and they needed to be tested in order to prevent potential consequences.
“The Toronto Raptors travel party underwent testing for COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, after learning that an opponent we had recently faced had acquired the virus. All of the members of the travel party who were tested on Wednesday in Toronto have received their results, and they are all currently negative. Results for one additional person are pending.”
Raptors also added that their behavior wouldn’t change even though the results are negative. The team will stay self-isolated, that is those players who were asked to do the same. Also, the organization is determined to continue with the measures demanded by Toronto Public Health. That includes, avoiding contacts and public gatherings, a high degree of hygiene, and above all, constant monitor of the current situation and possible symptoms.
Serge Ibaka was the first one who underwent the test, as he directly confronted Gobert during the game. The Spanish international was cleared yesterday, with the test coming back negative.
Unlike the situation in Utah where Gobert infected the first star of the team, the Raptors avoided such an outcome. Still, this doesn’t mean that the organization will modify anything in its future functioning.
“We continue to be in close contact with public health authorities and infectious disease experts, and are very grateful for their guidance. As always, we appreciate the support of our fans, families, and friends,” said in a statement.
In the moment of suspension, Toronto had 46 wins and 18 losses and was occupying place No.2 in the Eastern Conference. They were 6.5 games behind the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks and three games ahead of the Boston Celtics. There are some rumors that the campaign might be shut down, and that the current standings will be used for the playoffs.
If this comes out as true, Raptors will face the Brooklyn Nets (30-34) in the first round. They are No.7 in the conference half a game ahead of the Orlando Magic. The current result in the series is 3-1 for the Raptors, with the note that the Nets defeated Nick Nurse’s side midway through February, 101-91.
The Nets snapped a 15-game winning streak of the NBA champions with this victory, which was a historical record for the franchise from Canada.
If, by any chance, the season continues according to the schedule, Raptors will play five of their upcoming six games at home, with the Pistons and the Golden State Warriors coming to Scotiabank Arena first. After that, Toronto jumps to Philadelphia for one game, and comes back home to meet the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
