NBA bubble update: No one has tested positive for COVID-19 inside restart bubble

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

No positive COVID-19 tests inside the NBA bubble…yet

It’s easy to see why there are reservations and concerns about the NBA’s return to play idea. There are many reasons why it might not work, with the top of them being a potential spread of COVID-19 inside the bubble. If protocols are followed to a T, that will be a strong possibility in the midst of a global pandemic.

Nevertheless, as the NBA approaches a week inside the bubble with practices well underway, it’s been so far so good for the league in terms of keeping the bubble tight. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, there have been no positive results of COVID-19 testing inside the bubble.

It’s even more encouraging considering the amount of testing that is taking place.

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"[via Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective podcast]“So, from what I understand and testing is going on constantly,” said Windhorst on his podcast. “It’s going on every single day. So I can’t speak to the accuracy to this second, nor can I speak to the accuracy of it to when this podcast publishes and to when you hear this podcast. But from what I understand, there’s been no positive tests in the bubble as yet."

As of note, the podcast was published Monday morning. Who is to say if something changes or pops up soon, but at least entering the bubble it seems like all good news for the NBA as it attempts to restart and conclude the 2019-20 season.

NBA teams began traveling into the bubble last week. After a 48-hour isolation period, teams began practicing. Scrimmages between teams are expected to begin July 22, with a few of them set to broadcast in regional markets. The eight seeding games are expected to begin July 30.

Again, it hasn’t even been a week inside the bubble but the early returns appear to be good news. The hope is that the bubble will continue to work and create a safe environment for the players, coaches, and team personnel. It’s going to be a long process, but especially from what we’ve seen from the MLS recently, the first week without any positives tests is great news for the NBA’s prospects moving forward.