Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols and has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against Portland, the team announced today (via Twitter).
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link), Markkanen is expected to miss several games while he remains in the protocols. That could mean he has tested positive for COVID-19, though that hasn’t been confirmed.
Markkanen is the second Cavaliers player to enter the protocols this week, joining teammate Kevin Love.
After being acquired via sign-and-trade this offseason, Markkanen has started all eight of the Cavaliers’ games to open the regular season, joining Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in a jumbo-sized frontcourt. Markkanen’s production has been below his usual level as he adjusts to his new team — his 12.9 PPG, .361 FG%, and .280 3PT% would all be career lows.
With Markkanen and Love sidelined, the Cavs figure to lean more heavily on Allen and Mobley up front. Cedi Osman, Dean Wade, and Lamar Stevens are among the club’s backup forwards who could take on increased roles.
No surprise here. Markannen has played like he has Covid his whole career. Waste of money.
Lol played like he had covid his whole career, pretty good line
BTW thanks for the 1st rd draft pick next year Cleveland. I know it’s a late one but still appreciated. LM is now a cap nightmare.
Well the first round pick is from Portland and I thought a second rounder was from Cleveland but my memory is not what it used be. But your welcome.
Lm for djj,blazers 1st,cavs 2nd, bulls win. Tx u cavs