Just two games into the 2020-21 season and things are already starting to get strange. On Sunday, the Portland Trail Blazers announced that forward Carmelo Anthony is currently not with the team ahead of their Monday night game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The reason? Health and Safety Protocols.
The announcement was confirmed on Twitter by Blazers reporter Casey Holdahl:
I don't have any additional information but the fact that Collins and Little are listed as "out" and Anthony is "not with team" would seem to indicate that he still might play Monday vs. Lakers? https://t.co/WRgkekpa7n
ā Casey Holdahl (@CHold) December 28, 2020
It's important to note that forwards Zach Collins (ankle) and Nassir Little (health and safety protocols) were reported as out, while Carmelo Anthony's official status was a bit more cryptic. As of writing, it's still unclear whether or not Melo will be able to be with the team and suit up in time for Monday's game.
Prior to the announcement, it did seem that the 18-year vet intends to play for the Blazers and go head-to-head with longtime friend and rival LeBron James after he tweeted out a photo of the two of them with a caption āTomorrowā.
Tomorrow š pic.twitter.com/eentfab42j
ā Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) December 27, 2020
The Blazers are heading to LA for their first road trip of the seasonāa week-long trip that starts against the Lakers. Anthony has been a vital member of the Blazers' reserve unit so far, averaging 10.0 points in 22.5 minutes off the bench. Portland fans are hoping that the 10-time All-Star rejoins the team sooner rather than later.
With all the protocols and measures being put out by the league this season due to COVID-19, these last-minute and rather unexpected alerts should be nothing new. Earlier in the week, the season opener between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed due to the league's safety protocols.
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