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Heat-Celtics game postponed because of COVID-19 protocols

Player availability, contact tracing leads to postponement of game
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo blocks shot by Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, Jan. 6, 2021
Posted at 8:33 PM, Jan 10, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-10 20:33:05-05

MIAMI — Sunday's NBA game between Boston and Miami has been postponed because of contact tracing concerns within the Heat.

The Celtics would have been without seven players for the game due to the NBA's health and safety protocols for dealing with COVID-19.

The Heat ruled out Avery Bradley because of the protocols, and the team was conducting contact tracing to see if anyone else wouldn't be eligible to play.

That process was still underway Sunday afternoon, and given the uncertainty on whether the Heat would have to deem many players out, the decision was made to postpone the game a couple of hours before tipoff.