DENVER — Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols Tuesday and is out for Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks.
Jokic joins second-year guard Bones Hyland in the protocols. Jokic and Hyland will be eligible to return when they are cleared under current NBA guidelines. Players can automatically exit the protocol after 10 days.
Jokic, the two-time reigning MVP, is averaging 20.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists in 13 games this season. He’s the 10th NBA player to enter the protocols this season.
Players are not required to undergo regular testing this season, but there are certain situations where they must be checked for COVID-19. Examples of when players must be tested include when they are exhibiting any symptoms, or when someone in their household tests positive for COVID-19. Entering the protocols does not necessarily mean that someone is positive for the virus.
The Nuggets are 5-1 in their past six games and enter Wednesday’s tilt against the Knicks 9-4.
Denver’s next four games are in Dallas against the Mavericks on Friday and Sunday, home against the Pistons on Tuesday and on the road against the Thunder on Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.