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Update: Wednesday night’s game between OKC and Utah has been postponed due to illness.
Thunder PA: The game tonight has been postponed. You're all safe. Please take your time and leave the arena in an orderly manner. You're all safe.
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) March 12, 2020
The NBA will likely continue its season without fans at games given concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This direction was the “consensus” following the board of governors’ conference call on Wednesday and is likely to be announced by commissioner Adam Silver on Thursday, per Wojnarowski:
New story filed to ESPN:
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 11, 2020
The NBA’s Board of Governors shared a consensus on Wednesday to continue the season playing games without fans in arenas amid the coronavirus crisis, and Commissioner Adam Silver is expected to move in that direction with a decision on Thursday.
The league going on hiatus was also seriously discussed, but Wojnarowski’s report indicates the board of governors would rather games continue instead of postponing.
Reporting with @ZachLowe_NBA: Consensus among owners on Board of Governors call with league office was either continue season with no fans in arenas -- or have NBA take a hiatus for a period time. NBA is expected to have a decision as soon as Thursday on next steps.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 11, 2020
The NBA’s likely decision to play games without spectators follows news that the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments will be closed to fans, along with various other sporting events around the country—including upcoming games for the Golden State Warriors.
The Portland Trail Blazers are currently scheduled to host the Memphis Grizzlies Thursday night, with fans.