NBA postpones sixth consecutive game for the Washington Wizards

The NBA said on Wednesday night that Friday's game between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks has been postponed because of the league's health and safety protocols.

It's the sixth consecutive postponement for Washington.

"The game is being postponed due to the number of unavailable players for the Wizards, contact tracing for other players on their roster, and the length of time preceding the game during which the team was unable to practice," the league's statement said.

After a nine-day pause because of a coronavirus outbreak on the team, the Wizards were finally cleared to return to practice on Wednesday evening. But the team had only eight players available and basically did light shooting, according to coach Scott Brooks.

Before the NBA's announcement, guard Bradley Beal said the Wizards were "fighting the league" on playing Friday in Milwaukee because of the limited players available.

"We weren't able to get into a gym for a week," said Beal, whose team hasn't played since Jan. 11 against the Phoenix Suns. "That alters guys' rhythm, shape -- that is just like a recipe for injury honestly. I think we are fighting the league on it."

With a lack of healthy bodies and little conditioning, Beal said that he and Russell Westbrook planned to talk to Michele Roberts, the National Basketball Players Association executive director, about the Wizards' options to stay safe.

ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk contributed to this report.