Denver’s Nikola Jokic will not play Wednesday night after being placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
DENVER — Reigning back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has entered the league’s health and safety protocols and has been ruled out of Denver’s game against New York on Wednesday.
The Nuggets made the announcement Tuesday night on their league-mandated injury report.
Jokic becomes the 10th 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.
Jokic is averaging 20.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists through 13 games this season. He becomes the second Denver player currently in protocols; backup point guard Bones Hyland has also been ruled out for Wednesday.
TUESDAY’S GAME
PELICANS 113, GRIZZLIES 102: C.J. McCollum scored 14 of his 30 points in the third quarter and host New Orleans overcome Ja Morant’s 36-point effort to beat Memphis.
McCollum had averaged just 9.5 points on 27% shooting in his previous four games, was 7 of 13 from long range to help make up for Zion Williamson’s scoring absence with the star forward out with a bruised right foot.
The Pelicans led 89-87 after three quarters and opened the fourth with a 15-4 run, led by five points from reserve guard Jose Alvarado, to take a 104-91 lead. The Pelicans also got 19 points each from Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr., and they held Memophis to 15 fourth-quarter points.
McCollum hit three 3-pointers in the third quarter.
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