11 new NBA players tested positive for COVID-19 since Jan. 13

Positive coronavirus test results among personnel continue to hover over the 2020-21 NBA regular season into the second half of January. 

The NBA and National Basketball Players Association confirmed in a joint statement that 11 new players returned positive COVID-19 test results from Jan. 13 through Wednesday. According to Josh Weinstein of The Score, 27 players have tested positive for the virus over the past two weeks. 

Wednesday's matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers became the 16th NBA game postponed due to COVID-19 issues since the campaign started on Dec. 22. The Washington Wizards have had at least seven players and one staff member test positive for the coronavirus during their outbreak and haven't played since Jan. 11. It's still unknown if Washington will be cleared to compete at the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. 

Meanwhile, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that NBA security teams will now work to remind players that engaging in hugs, handshakes, or extended postgame conversations with opponents is prohibited per the league's health and safety protocols. Last week, ESPN noted that multiple NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19 twice since the pandemic first reached the United States.