Report: NBA To Reduce Quarantine Period For COVID-Positive Players

As the new COVID omicron variant continues to wreak havoc across the NBA, with 128 players having gone into the league's health and safety protocols this month alone, the league is taking steps, in cooperation with the Players Association, to reduce the 10-day quarantine period, and hopefully get players back to their teams sooner.

According to a report from ESPN, the new protocols could get players back on the court in as soon as six days, based on a "testing cycle threshold". 

Infectious disease specialists have been working with the league and the union to come up with a reasonable, but safe, protocol that would be implemented according to each player's individual situation. 

The move comes on the heels of a similar NFL protocol change, and two days after NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that there will be no pause in the season, and that 97% of the league's players are vaccinated, and 65% have their 3rd dose. 

Nevertheless, the tidal wave of omicron hitting the country has led to the cancellation of several games, as teams have not been able to field the minimum 8-man roster required. It's hoped that returning players who've tested positive, but are otherwise not symptomatic, sooner will ease the burden on shorthanded teams. 

Aside from the reduced six-day quarantine, players can also return to their teams with two negative tests within a 24-hour span. 

It remains to be seen how the new regulations might apply to teams slated for Christmas Day games on Saturday. 

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports