NBA: Memphis Grizzlies next 3 games postponed for contact tracing

The Memphis Grizzlies’ next 3 games have been postponed, according to the NBA (and confirmed by numerous outlets). Friday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, along with Sunday and Monday games against the Sacramento Kings are postponed in accordance with the NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols.

The games are being postponed due to contact tracing on the Grizzlies side. According to The New York Times Marc Stein, this brings the league total to 20 postponements, with the Grizzlies involved with 4 of them.

The first concern is obviously with the health and safety of the Grizzlies players. From a strictly basketball perspective, it is a bit of a bummer that the team has to postpone games in the middle of a 5 game winning streak. On the bright side? This likely means less games missed by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow.

Postponements have become part of the new normal as the NBA attempts to go through a season with COVID-19 still a factor in the world. Hopefully the players are healthy and can get back on the court soon.

The next chance for the Grizzlies to return to game action is Wednesday the 27th against the Chicago Bulls.

(This article has been updated as more information becomes available)

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the NBA is erring on the side of caution with what they believe is an isolated COVID-19 exposure on the Grizzlies. The postponements aren’t due to multiple players being placed in the Health and Safety Protocols.

The Commercial Appeal’s Evan Barnes confirms that the Grizzlies have just one positive test for COVID-19, but are being cautious to prevent more possible spread.

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