Celts’ outbreak nixes another

Third straight game postponed tonight

The Celtics, their roster still under the league minimum due to the presence of eight players in health and safety protocols, will have tonight’s game against Orlando postponed.

The team has now had three straight games postponed due to COVID concerns, including Sunday’s game against Miami and last night’s in Chicago, after at least two players (Jayson Tatum and Robert Williams) tested positive for the virus. A third either tested positive or was sent for contact tracing on Monday, dropping the Celtics’ roster below the NBA’s eight-player minimum.

Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye, Javonte Green, Tristan Thompson and Grant Williams were all sent for contact tracing. The latter two may be eligible to return for Friday’s game in the Garden against Orlando. Robert Williams, who was asymptomatic at the time of his positive test last Thursday, would need two days of negative tests to be eligible by Friday.

Add in the absences of Kemba Walker (knee strengthening) and Romeo Langford (wrist surgery), and the Celtics haven’t had an allowable roster for two straight games.

And they aren’t alone. Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, Brooklyn and Miami have all experienced roster distress.

The crisis was dire enough for the NBA and players association to reach quick agreement on a two-week tightening of COVID regulations, to the point where players will have to stay in their homes, or hotel room, at all times. The only exception is team-related activities.

Where they had been allowed two hotel visitors while on the road, the outside stream of friends is now cut off.

Game-day protocols have been tightened as well. Team meetings have to be held in spaces large enough to allow six feet between players and coaches. All must wear masks.

Those early trips to the arena to get in extra shooting will also be momentarily off the shelf, with players not allowed at the arena until three hours before game-time.

With Tatum’s embrace of Bradley Beal a red flag moment, player interaction will now be limited to fists and elbows. They must wear masks on the bench at all times, with the exception of an isolated coolingoff area for when players first get off the floor. Coaches must wear masks at all times.

Indeed, the only area unaddressed is possible spread of the virus on the floor during competition.

getty Images GETTING HIS SHOTS: Celtics bench dweller Carsen Edwards shoots by himself on Sunday at TD Garden after the game against the Heat was postponed. Last night’s tilt in Chicago and tonight’s game against Orlando were also nixed.