With the omicron variant running rampant, NBA rosters are in flux. Among the many players to enter the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols recently are New York Knicks forward Julius Randle, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. In related news, since Dec. 26, tighter protocols -- stricter mask requirements, increased testing -- have been in effect. These rules will be in place until Jan. 8. 

Another change: Some players can now clear health and safety protocols and return to play as soon as six days after testing positive, provided that they are asymptomatic and not contagious.

Between the tweaked return-to-play policy and the new rule mandating teams to use hardship exceptions when multiple players are in protocols, the NBA is aiming to avoid postponing games. Despite this, Thursday's scheduled between the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets has been postponed because Denver did not have the required eight players. 

Seven coaches are in health and safety protocols: Doc Rivers (Philadelphia), Michael Malone (Denver), Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder), Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns), Chauncey Billups (Portland), Frank Vogel (Los Angeles Lakers) and Billy Donovan (Chicago).

The Toronto Raptors, who have been playing home games at 50% capacity since Dec. 18, will play to even fewer fans starting Friday. That's when, according to The Canadian Press, Ontario's arenas, theaters and concert halls will be limited to 1,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is less. 

While limited-capacity arenas were commonplace for most of 2020-21, Scotiabank Arena is the only NBA venue to cap attendance this season.