The National Basketball Association has been dealing with one COVID-19 outbreak after another. They have been forced to postpone a number of games. Some of the leagues best players have found themselves in the league's COVID health and safety protocols, including Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. That has led to the NBA announcing that all teams are required to host a booster shot event for all eligible players, staff and their families prior to December 31st.

The NBA has long been praised for being the most progressive of all of the professional American sports leagues. Once again, they flexed their muscles in that regard.

Earlier Thursday, it was reported that Minnesota Timberwolves star center Karl-Anthony Towns was joined six of his teammates in the league's COVID health and safety protocols.

The problem has been widespread across the league. It has forced the NBA to pivot and adjust on the fly with a number of games being postponed to a later date.

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The Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Blazers game scheduled for Thursday night was the next to be pushed to a later date. It is the 9th game thus far to be pushed back amid the COVID crisis this season.

There had been rising concerns that the Christmas Day slate of games would be impacted. The NBA quelled those rumors and stated the the marquee games will remain scheduled. However, contingency plans have been put into place. The Brooklyn Nets are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. The Nets are among the teams hit the hardest, leaving many wondering if the game will happen.