Toronto –
Canada’s first NBA champion Toronto Raptors cannot play home games in their own hall in the North American professional basketball league for the time being due to the corona pandemic.
“The Raptors will play their home games in Tampa Bay to open the 2020-21 season,” said the club via short message service Twitter. They have worked with the health authorities at the local, provincial and state levels to create a plan for games in the domestic Scotabank Arena, according to a statement from club president Masai Ujiri.
“Ultimately, the current public health situation and the urgent need to determine a venue means that we will begin our 2020-21 season in Tampa, Florida,” Ujiri wrote. The NBA camps are scheduled to start on December 1st. A shortened regular season with 72 games is scheduled for December 22nd.
According to information from the daily newspaper “Toronto Star”, which cites two anonymous sources, the federal government had refused permission to play. Because of the time pressure until the start of the season, the Raptors had to act quickly. Thanks to all levels of government and their public health officials for their commitment and concern for the health of Canadians, said the club chief. The Raptors would continue to work to promote and comply with public health measures to fight the spread of Covid-19 in Canada.
The Toronto Raptors are the only NBA team from Canada. In 2019 the club from the east coast metropolis won the NBA championship with 4-2 victories against the Golden State Warriors.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201120-99-409374 / 2 (dpa)
