Jonas Valanciunas removed from game due to health and safety protocols
Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas was removed from Friday’s game due to health and safety protocols.
The NBA has already run into some COVID-related issues this season. Players are missing games due to positive tests and for being deemed close contacts.
That is why there was a bit of a scare Friday night when Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas was removed at halftime for health and safety protocols.
Memphis Grizzlies say center Jonas Valanciunas will not return for the second half of tonight's game against Brooklyn Nets game due to health and safety protocols.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 9, 2021
Valanciunas removed Friday night
One report states this is not a removal due to a positive COVID test.
Team source confirms with me that it IS NOT a positive test for Jonas https://t.co/Gn5xMFvVOU
— Rob Fischer (@thefishnation) January 9, 2021
That is great news, with the next logical reason being he is a close contact of someone else.
This was a scary report, for obvious reasons, and fans will wait to see what the explanation is for the abrupt exit.
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The center had eight points at halftime against the Brooklyn Nets and his absence will loom large for the 2-6 Grizzlies. Hopefully, he is healthy and the Grizzlies won’t be dealing with a quarantine situation of their own.