OP mentioned standups so it's likely they're doing sprints. With that setup, it doesn't really leave time for booking in chitchat calls. You can't attend the standup the next day and say "played some games with George and didn't get this finished"
You totally can and should. Being honest about not getting to something is better than covering it up. So long as its not a regular occurrence then it should be okay. And its even easier if you set expectations up front. "Hey im going to spend some time socializing with xyz today. I might not get to much sprint work"
Yea I call bullshit, not making time to build interpersonal relationships in your team is penny wise and pound foolish.