Boomers caught up in Covid scare as game against Team USA is cancelled

Saturday’s Boomers versus Team USA clash has been cancelled after two American players were placed into Covid-19 protocol immediately.

Boomers tangle with Bradley Beal (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Boomers’ final Olympic exhibition game against Team USA has been cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns.

USA Basketball released a statement on Friday to say “out of an abundance of caution”, the clash against Australia has been cancelled because of health and safety protocols.

The Americans are facing a Covid crisis on the eve of the Tokyo Olympics, with guard Bradley Beal ruled out of the Games after being placed in Covid protocol on Thursday. US forward Jerami Grant has also been placed into protocol out of precaution.

The Opals’ game against Team USA from 4.30am on Saturday morning will be played as scheduled.

It’s believed Beal has not tested positive for coronavirus but was placed in the protocols because of potential exposure.

The Boomers were given the all-clear on Thursday when all Australian players and officials tested negative after playing the USA on Tuesday in Las Vegas.

The Boomers were close to Bradley Beal this week Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

There is still a lingering doubt whether any Australian players, if classed as being potentially exposed, could put additional quarantine restrictions onto the Boomers team when they arrive into Tokyo for the Games.

It’s also understood Team USA players have broken protocols to go out in Las Vegas.

Boomers legend Shane Heal says it would be common sense to cancel Australia’s warm-up clash against Team USA given the current Covid-19 situation.

“The Boomers are in a really good place right now and I think they’ve got those three (exhibition) games done and got everything out of those three games,” Heal said.

“So, I don’t think you would be taking any risks whatsoever. You could just have some extra practice sessions or internal scrimmages because they have a big squad there and they could move on.”

Australia is set to play Team USA on Saturday morning from 8am (AEST).