The NBA has sent multiple memos to teams to prepare contingency plans in case they need to play games without fans in attendance due to the ongoing coronavirus, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Teams have been asked to identify “essential staff” to be present for such games if the need arises.

Soccer and basketball games in Europe have been playing without fans in recent days.

Among the NBA’s short-term recommendations to teams in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, players should utilize fist-bumps over high-fives with fans and avoid taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys to autograph.

Among larger concerns being addressed in NBA front offices and the league office, the possibility that pre-draft combines, on-site workouts and international scouting events could become more limited in scope, or even cancelled, based on the possible escalation of the coronavirus.

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