Pistons-Nuggets game postponed as Pistons have inconclusive test, lack 8 available players

The game between the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets was postponed minutes before tipoff as the Pistons did not have the mandatory eight available players, according to the NBA.

Sham Charania of The Athletic reported that an inconclusive test within the Pistons and the contact tracing connected to that test meant several Pistons players were unavailable. Adrian Wojnarowski was even more precise, citing sources connecting the inconclusive test to a player.

As of now, there is no confirmation a player tested positive. If a player does test positive, that would leave the Pistons out of action for an extended period and put their west coast road trip in jeopardy.

If another test is run and an inconclusive test turns into a conclusive negative test then there’s a chance this will be a tempoary bump in the road for the Pistons.

This is the first instance health and safety protocols on the Detroit side led to a postponement of a game. Previously, a game against the Wizards was postponed as Washington was dealing with positive tests within its organization.

The NBA released an official statement:

As the NBA has gotten more aggressive in responding to positive tests, it could lead the Pistons to isolate as an organization for at least a week and maybe longer because of one positive test.

The Pistons have games remaining on this west coast swing against the Jazz (Tuesday), Suns (Friday) and Lakers (Saturday).

As of 9:30 p.m., roughly 30 minutes after the scheduled tip, the Pistons were sitting in the lower bowl of Ball Arena with plenty of space between each other. Presumably, they are awaiting further word from the league and/or additional test results as part of the contact tracing protocols.

We will have more as more information becomes available.