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Bulls' DeMar DeRozan enters health and safety protocols, out Monday vs. Nuggets

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/6/21

Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan began Monday as the new Eastern Conference Player of the Week for his work in helping his team notch three consecutive victories.

Unfortunately, the positive news for DeRozan and the Bulls ended there.

Per Jamal Collier of ESPN, DeRozan has entered the NBA's health and safety protocols and, thus, isn't available for Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski adds DeRozan could be out for a minimum of five contests:

DeRozan is ruled out tonight vs. Denver, but it's unclear how much longer he will be out for the Bulls. DeRozan will need to show two consecutive negative PCR tests in 24 hours, or be isolated for at least 10 days. Team has now announced DeRozan's entry into protocols. https://t.co/Bds1QpdUPh
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 6, 2021

DeRozan joins teammates Coby White and Javonte Green on the coronavirus-related list. White tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday, and Green tested positive Friday, according to NBC Sports Chicago staff.

Bulls All-Star center Nikola Vucevic missed a total of seven games after he tested positive for the virus last month.

Collier notes that DeRozan averaged 30.3 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 58.7% from the field across three straight wins. According to ESPN stats, DeRozan is fourth in the NBA in scoring while averaging 26.4 points per contest.

The Bulls improved to 16-8 on the season via Saturday's 111-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Denver, meanwhile, is 11-11 coming off a 113-99 win over the New York Knicks on Saturday.

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