NBA welcomes players' families inside its Disney World bubble for the upcoming playoffs - but bans 'casual' acquaintances, blind dates, personal chefs, trainers, and even tattoo artists

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When conference semifinals begin in the 2020 NBA playoffs, spouses and families will be permitted in the league's Disney World bubble near Orlando, but girlfriends, blind dates, and tattoo artists may not be so lucky. 

The league is looking to set guidelines for player guests that fall into the 'other' classification, such as girlfriends and recent acquaintances. A memo from the NBA and NBPA outlines what the league will tolerate as a significant other.

It will preclude players from hosting guests considered casual in nature, including 'known by the player only through social media or an intermediary,' according to the memo obtained by ESPN. Players must prove a longstanding relationship with a non-spouse.

(Left) LeBron James goes for a stroll inside the NBA's Disney World bubble. (Right) San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (left) talks with guard Dejounte Murray during a break in play during the first half on Tuesday

Thus far, the league's bubble seems to be working as there have been no positive coronavirus tests among players over the last four weeks. The NBA restarted its pandemic-delayed season in late July with 22 of the league's 30 teams inside the proverbial bubble at Disney World outside Orlando. Players have been away from their families and the general public over the last few weeks to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection and prevent the kind of outbreaks that have led Major League Baseball to postpone 29 games thus far in 2020

While friends and family will be defined in greater clarity, per the memo, those prohibited in the NBA bubble include agents, chefs, trainers and tattoo artists.

Once in the bubble, family members must quarantine and then agree to follow the same restrictions applied to players and staff. There is no allowance for leaving the campus.

Players will receive one ticket per guest per playoff game.

Thus far, the league's bubble seems to be working as there have been no positive coronavirus tests among players over the last four weeks. 

Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard scores two of his 61 points against the Mavericks on Tuesday. NBA games have been played at three arenas inside the league bubble at Disney World 

The NBA restarted its pandemic-delayed season in late July with 22 of the league's 30 teams inside the proverbial bubble at Disney World outside Orlando. 

Players have been away from their families and the general public over the last few weeks to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection and prevent the kind of outbreaks that have led Major League Baseball to postpone 29 games thus far in 2020. 

With the help monitors and electronic bracelets, players are monitored in an effort to maintain social distancing. They may be permitted to leave the bubble, but are required to quarantine for several days upon their return. 

The playoffs start next week, which is when players on the eight clubs that fail to reach the postseason be permitted to leave the bubble.