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The U.S.-Australia exhibition basketball game gets canceled because of health and safety protocols

USA Basketball cited “an abundance of caution” in making the decision.

Bradley Beal shooting Tuesday during practice for USA Basketball.
Bradley Beal shooting Tuesday during practice for USA Basketball.Read moreJohn Locher / AP

LAS VEGAS — The United States men’s basketball exhibition game against Australia scheduled for Friday night in Las Vegas has been canceled because of health and safety protocols.

USA Basketball cited “an abundance of caution” in making the decision Thursday night. The U.S. women's game against Australia will be played as scheduled Friday in Las Vegas.

The decision to cancel the game came hours after Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal was ruled out of the Olympics after being placed into health and safety protocols. The team also said Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant, a former Sixer, also was in health and safety protocols “out of an abundance of caution.”

» READ MORE: USA Basketball will face unique obstacles at the Olympics, including fatigue, injury and late arrivals

The Americans are still scheduled to play Spain on Sunday before heading to Tokyo, with their opening game against France set for July 25.

The U.S. lost its opening two exhibition games to Nigeria and Australia and beat Argentina in the third Tuesday night.