NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 28: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 28, 2020 in New York City. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-111. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas was removed from Friday’s game due to health and safety protocols.
The NBA has already run into some COVID-related issues this season. Players are missing games due to positive tests and for being deemed close contacts.
That is why there was a bit of a scare Friday night when Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas was removed at halftime for health and safety protocols.
Valanciunas removed Friday night
One report states this is not a removal due to a positive COVID test.
That is great news, with the next logical reason being he is a close contact of someone else.
This was a scary report, for obvious reasons, and fans will wait to see what the explanation is for the abrupt exit.
The center had eight points at halftime against the Brooklyn Nets and his absence will loom large for the 2-6 Grizzlies. Hopefully, he is healthy and the Grizzlies won’t be dealing with a quarantine situation of their own.