Toronto basketball fans rejoice! The Toronto Raptors are set to hit the court next month, although you probably won't be able to witness it in person. The NBA announced that by July multiple teams could be travelling to Disney World to compete. While the plan still needs to be approved, in an article by the Associated Press published by the NBA, it was announced that they are looking to host eight regular-season games ahead of a potential playoff tournament. This event, which would be held at Disney World would include 13 Western Conference teams and nine Eastern Conference teams and would start around July 31. Playoffs would be set to start sometime in August, and it could bring the NBA season all the way into October. The Raptors were one of the four teams in the league to clinch a playoff spots before the NBA suspended its season. This means that the team would have a guaranteed spot in this competition where all of Toronto could cheer them on. However, while the Raptors may be flying out to keep the NBA season going, it doesn't mean that fans will be able to do the same. View this post on Instagram Official team statement: The safety of our players, staff, fans and the media who cover our team is paramount. While we are disappointed the NBA season has been suspended because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we completely support the league’s decision. The Toronto Raptors played the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Monday night, and as is usual during an NBA game, the players were in close physical contact. On Wednesday evening, testing revealed that a Jazz player tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Out of an abundance of caution, members of the Raptors traveling party have been tested for the virus. We await those results. Our players, coaches and traveling staff have all been advised to go into self-isolation for 14 days, which means minimizing contact in accordance with public health guidelines. Our team doctors remain in communication with infection control specialists and public health authorities, and we will continue to abide by their advice. Since returning from Utah on Tuesday morning, team members have made two public appearances. According to Toronto Public Health, being in close contact with someone who does not have COVID-19, but was exposed to someone with COVID-19, does not constitute a risk for getting COVID-19 and does not require public health follow up. People who attended these events should continue to monitor their health, practice social distancing and hand washing, and contact a health professional should they develop symptoms. The Raptors are very grateful to our community of fans, friends, and family for their support through this season, and for their understanding as we face this unprecedented situation together. A post shared by Toronto Raptors (@raptors) on Mar 12, 2020 at 7:26am PDT It is also being reported by the Athletic that several new medical protocols will be proposed ahead of the games. The restrictions will include shutting down the arena's shower and forcing bench players to sit in spread out rows while inactive players sit in the stands. It is also being reported that guests could be banned from the arena until the playoffs. View this post on Instagram Working closely with local government, infectious disease experts and public health authorities, we'll be facilitating limited access to OVO Athletic Centre for player workouts in line with league guidance. Details on Raptors.com A post shared by Toronto Raptors (@raptors) on May 8, 2020 at 7:29am PDT The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after it was revealed that players from Utah Jazz had tested positive for COVID-19. Two months later, the Toronto Raptors announced that they would start practicing again at the OVO Athletic Centre. However, strict measures have been put in place, including only allowing one player on the court at a time.
