OKC Thunder: Day 8 of suspension finds NBA COVID-19 positive tests on rise

The OKC Thunder COVID-19 tests were all negative but as the NBA passed a week of suspension the positive test tally surged to 13.

Although the OKC Thunder breathed a huge sigh of relief with news this week that everyone tested negative the news elsewhere wasn’t as positive. On Thursday, March 19th the league hit day eight of suspended play and with it the positive tests for COVID-19 for players and staff of teams almost doubled.

Up until that point, the NBA number was holding at seven. The initial positive tests came out of Utah as Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell were confirmed to have the virus. Both were asymptomatic. Pistons Christian Wood became the third player cited as having a positive test. Earlier this week the biggest jump came with news four Brooklyn Nets tested positive including former OKC Thunder superstar Kevin Durant. The trio of other players who tested positive was not revealed.

Then day eight arrived with news of from the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets all adding to the tally.

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Celtics guard Marcus Smart is the one player in Boston to receive a positive test. The guard was exposed to someone with the virus which led to his result. In LA two different players tested positive however no confirmation of who they are was provided. Likewise, three 76ers tested positive although the wording of the release didn’t confirm if they were players or staff members. And, the Nuggets confirmed someone tied to their franchise also tested positive.

Of the 13 confirmed cases, nine are definitely players (Gobert, Mitchell, Wood, Durant and three Nets and two Lakers). The other five positive results (as noted) could be players or staff.

Notably, not all teams have performed tests as they instead have mandated self-quarantine and monitor players daily. These teams are doing what we as fans are by following what health experts are suggesting.

Of the teams who tested all their players only the OKC Thunder and Raptors have been fortunate to not have anyone produce a positive result.

The big takeaway from this news is the jump in positive tests in one day and the reality of how easily the virus can be transferred. It’s important for everyone to practice safe distancing, stay at home if at all possible. To that end, please note the sites listed below for the OKC Thunder fan base to use as required.

As always, stay safe and healthy.

For more information on the coronavirus please note the following sites:

Oklahoma State Department Help Center: 877-215-8336
Oklahoma State – dedicated coronavirus site: click this link
The World Health Organization – click this link 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – click this link