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Three members in Sixers organization test positive for coronavirus

The three positive tests within the Sixers organization brings the NBA’s total number of coronavirus cases to 14.

An empty Wells Fargo Center after the Sixers played their last game against the Detroit Pistons on March 11. The NBA season was suspended shortly after.
An empty Wells Fargo Center after the Sixers played their last game against the Detroit Pistons on March 11. The NBA season was suspended shortly after.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
    by Keith Pompey
    Updated 
    Published 

Well, there you have it.

The 76ers announced Thursday that three members of the organization have tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, the team said NBA and medical experts recommended that players, coaches, and basketball operations support staff be tested for the coronavirus. The Sixers said the tests were secured and processed privately.

The team said all of the other tests came back negative. The positive individuals are in self-isolation. They will be monitored closely by medical professionals.

The statement did not specify whether those with the virus are players.

Multiple sources told said Wednesday that the players were tested Monday. One source said at least some of the Sixers staff members were still waiting to be tested as of Wednesday. The players received their test results Thursday.

Monday’s test came two days after it was announced that thee Detroit Pistons’ Christian Wood tested positive for the virus.

The Sixers defeated the Pistons, 124-106, on March 11 at the Wells Fargo Center, moments before the NBA suspended the season. Wood left the arena wearing a mask, according to sources.

The three positive tests within the Sixers organization brings the NBA’s total number of coronavirus cases to 14.

Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz tested positive last week. The Brooklyn Nets announced Tuesday that four of their players had tested positive. Sidelined Nets standout Kevin Durant told The Athletic that he had tested positive.

A member of the Denver Nuggets organization, Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, and two Los Angeles Lakers were added to the list Thursday.

Coronavirus cases have topped 221,400 with 8,900 deaths. The majority of those cases have come in China and Italy. There have been around 9,400 confirmed cases and 150 deaths in the United States.

All NBA games were suspended March 11. Silver announced the next day that play would be suspended for at least 30 days. However, the NBA might not resume until June at the earliest.