Danny Ainge says he believes Celtics will play Friday

Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge is optimistic that his team will be able to return to the court on Friday.

The Boston Celtics anticipate their unexpected weeklong break due to coronavirus-related issues will conclude on Friday. They are scheduled to host the Orlando Magic on that day.

In a radio interview on Thursday, Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge stated, “it looks like we’re moving in the right direction.” This statement comes after Boston had three games, which were scheduled between Sunday and Wednesday, postponed. The postponement was due to some players testing positive for the virus and others being ruled out because of potential exposure identified through contact tracing.

#NEBHInjuryReport continued (3/3):

Daniel Theis (Health & Safety Protocols) – QUESTIONABLE
Kemba Walker (Left Knee Injury Recovery) – OUT
Robert Williams (Health & Safety Protocols) – OUT

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 14, 2021

Across the league, eight games have been postponed since Sunday. The NBA is considering whether additional games, such as a Saturday game in Phoenix and a Sunday game in Washington, would also need to be rescheduled. The Suns and Wizards were both due to play on Friday, but these games were postponed due to contact tracing revealing that neither team would be able to meet the NBA’s requirement of having eight available players.

“Ainge stated during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub, ‘I believe all our players are performing well. Some are also undergoing contact tracing. It appears we will be able to proceed with tomorrow’s game, given all players are in good health. However, we still have 17 more tests to conduct before that.'”

“Ainge added, ‘In the current state of our society, each of these tests leaves you feeling on pins and needles.'”

The Celtics last played on Jan. 8 in a game vs. the Wizards.

The NBA, which announced on Wednesday that 16 players tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week, is likely to face more tests.

Danny Ainge tells @Toucherandrich he believes the Celtics will return to play tomorrow https://t.co/7Q2YnwWxfg

— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) January 14, 2021

In a memo acquired by The Associated Press, league officials have informed teams that they are considering implementing additional game-day testing for players and referees. All NBA teams across 28 cities have been directed to explore the availability of local labs capable of promptly processing PCR tests. The proposed additional tests would be conducted on the morning of game-day, with results expected no later than one hour before the game starts.

The league’s current protocol includes daily PCR tests for players and coaches, as well as rapid tests on game days. The NBA informed teams that a decision regarding additional testing could potentially be made by the weekend. The contents of the league’s memo were initially revealed by ESPN.

If Boston’s weeklong break concludes on Friday as expected, it would be the longest break in the NBA this season. Provided no further postponements occur in Thursday’s game schedule, five teams including Portland, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Denver, and Indiana would have participated in four games since the Celtics last played.