Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Raptors coach Nick Nurse, five assistants won’t be on bench vs. Rockets due to coronavirus protocols

Raptors coach Nick Nurse

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 16: Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse looks on during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Amalie Arena on January 16, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Getty Images

NBA teams, as we’ve been reminded in this coronavirus-ravaged season, must have at least eight players available for each game.

What’s the lower limit on coaches?

The Raptors will be pushing it against the Rockets tonight.

Raptors release:

Due to health and safety protocols, six members of the Raptors’ coaching staff, including head coach Nick Nurse, will not be on the bench beginning with Friday’s game vs. Houston. They will continue to work remotely, and details on their return will be communicated when appropriate.

Raptors general manager Bobby Webster will speak to the media Friday at 5:45 p.m., during the head coach’s pregame availability window.


Toronto was already shorthanded with Chris Finch leaving for the Timberwolves.

I join everyone else in hoping savvy veteran point guard Kyle Lowry takes a de facto player-coach role against the Rockets tonight.