Bulls assistants Chris Fleming, Damian Cotter positive for COVID-19, out for Game 1 vs. Bucks

The NBA has been hit with multiple harsh reminders ahead of the Easter holiday that, regardless of what some may think, the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and could impact the postseason tournament throughout the spring. 

According to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Chicago Bulls assistant coaches Chris Fleming and Damian Cotter tested positive for COVID-19 and, thus, won't travel for Game 1 of the club's Eastern Conference playoff series at the Milwaukee Bucks scheduled for Sunday. Both were experiencing mild symptoms of the virus ahead of the weekend. 

Bulls coach Billy Donovan couldn't say if Fleming and/or Cotter will be available for Game 2 on Wednesday. Game 3 will take place in Chicago next Friday. 

"One of the things that I really have been happy with and pleased with and I think it speaks to the staff is whether it was myself being out or John Bryant being out or different staff members being out, we've all worked together and collaborated and everyone's kind of stayed involved," Donovan explained while referencing the COVID-19 outbreak that impacted his team in December. "I know when I was out, I tried to help as much as I can. Chris will try to help. So will Damian."

The Los Angeles Clippers will be without seven-time All-Star Paul George for Friday's play-in game versus the New Orleans Pelicans after he tested positive for the coronavirus.