Rick Carlisle the head coach #11of the Indiana Pacers gives instructions to his team against the New York Knicks during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP
The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors canceled practices Thursday out of caution, following the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
Both teams played Wednesday night. The Pacers beat the New York Knicks 122-102, and the Raptors lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 110-109.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle reportedly tested positive after the game and has entered the protocols, ESPN reported.
Also, Raptors president Masai Ujiri also tested positive despite being fully vaccinated with his booster shot. He said he is in self-isolation at home after attending an event Sunday night.
“We don’t want to live in fear of this virus, but COVID is a persistent enemy,” Ujiri said in a statement released by the team. “Together, we’ll defeat it.”
Neither the Pacers nor Raptors announced players entering the league protocols on Thursday.
With the league requiring increased testing since Thanksgiving, the NBA has seen more players enter health and safety protocols.
Both teams are scheduled to play Friday, with the Pacers hosting the Dallas Mavericks — Carlisle’s first meeting against his former team — and the Raptors at home against the Knicks.