COVID chaos: Phoenix face three-week gap between clashes after NBL, WNBL postponements
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NBL championship contenders South East Melbourne Phoenix face a 21-day gap between contests after twice having games postponed due to COVID-hit opposition.
The Phoenix saw their December 23 game with the Illawarra Hawks postponed due to the Hawks having COVID-19 cases, and on Tuesday the NBL postponed their clash with the Adelaide 36ers, which was set for Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 2 due to a positive case for the home side.
Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell speaks to his players in a timeout during the round three NBL game between the Sydney Kings and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Qudos Bank Arena.Credit:Getty Images
If no other schedule changes are made, the Phoenix, who last played on December 18, won’t play again until they visit the Cairns Taipans on January 8.
The NBL also postponed Adelaide’s clash with the Perth Wildcats, which was meant to be played on Tuesday night, and Brisbane Bullets versus the Wildcats in Brisbane on January 1.
The NBL said in a statement that players and staff were regularly tested.
“Regular testing of all players and staff will continue, while further testing will be carried out on individuals impacted, or those deemed close contacts,” the NBL said.
“The schedule will be updated with rescheduled games in the coming days.”
The WNBL has also been hit again by COVID-19 issues, with the Sydney University Flames reporting a positive case, forcing the league to postpone their clash with the Bendigo Spirit that was due to be played at Brydens Stadium in Sydney on Tuesday night (December 28).
The Flames put the infected person into isolation but said they couldn’t be certain the whole team would get their PCR test results in time to play the game on Tuesday, forcing the postponement.
The Flames already have to catch up a game in January with the University of Canberra Capitals after their early-season game was postponed due to Canberra having a positive case.
But Flames owner Paul Smith said player safety had to come first.
“The decision to delay the game has been made in line with WNBL guidelines,” Smith said.
“The health and safety of the players, coaches, clubs, staff and fans is our main priority.
“The club will continue to follow the advice of health authorities and further testing will be carried out on any individuals impacted or those deemed close contacts.”
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