NBA: Toronto’s COVID-19 law could be decisive in the playoffs

Unvaccinated NBA players can’t play in Toronto. That’s what they say COVID-19 laws in the Canadian city and can be a decisive factor in the playoffs. The Raptors are now sixth of the Eastern Conference and perhaps his first rival in the qualifiers for the ring will lose some of his troops.

With the classification so tight, the Canadian team can meet in the first round with the Heat, the Celtics, the Sixers or the Bucks, separated all of them by only two games of difference. The Raptors themselves fight with the Bulls for fifth place and ensure their presence in the playoffs without having to play the play-in. There are many cabals that can be done on possible rivalsbut all of them must take into account the obligation for players to have been vaccinated in order to play in Toronto.

In ESPN they spoke with the four possible rivals. The Heat and the Bucks confirmed that all their players have the complete vaccination schedule and will be available to visit the Raptors. While, the Sixers and the Celtics preferred not to respond, which suggests that perhaps there are members of their staff who have not been vaccinated. If they met with Netssomewhat unlikely in the first round, but not later, Kyrie Irving won’t be able to play.

Casualties in the recent visit of the Celtics

This week, Boston visited Toronto and lost 115-112 after overtime with the absences of Robert Williams, Al Horford, Jayson Tatum y Jaylen Brown. Injuries and personal reasons were the reasons to explain the casualties. Next April 7, the Sixers come to town. Any unexcused absence with a physical problem can give rise to speculation.

The Raptors are finishing the regular season magnificently, as they have won 10 of their last 12 meetings. They are a threat to anyone, but if the rival cannot count on any of their players in at least two games of a playoff tie, they will be more so.