Even coaches aren’t immune to the latest wave of COVID-19 hitting NBA clubs this winter as the Omicron variant sweeps the U.S., and on Friday, Jason Kidd became already the 13th NBA coach to be placed in the league’s health and safety protocols this season.
Coach Kidd received a positive result when Dallas Mavericks players, coaches and staff were tested on Thursday night upon their arrival to Houston for Friday’s game against the Rockets. J-Kidd will miss that game and likely Sunday’s game back at home against the East-leading Bulls, but has a chance to clear before next Wednesday’s game in New York against the Knicks.
Assistant Coach Sean Sweeney will serve as acting head coach for however long Jason remains out. The Mavs have seen 11 players enter the health and safety protocols in recent weeks, and big men Kristaps Porzingis and Boban Marjanovic remain out for that reason. Dallas enters action Friday on a four-game winning streak at 20-18, currently fifth in the Western Conference.