Thus far this season, Kevin Love is averaging 9.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per game as a reserve. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cavaliers' Kevin Love in health protocols, out indefinitely

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/1/21

The 3-4 Cleveland Cavaliers will be without a familiar face for Monday's game at the 5-2 Charlotte Hornets.

Cleveland has announced that forward Kevin Love has entered the NBA's health and safety protocols and won't play against the Hornets.

"Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time," the Cavaliers added in their brief statement.

The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) reports Love likely will miss more than just one contest, as did NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic. Cleveland hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

Cavaliers’ Kevin Love has entered health and safety protocols and is expected to miss several games, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Love is averaging 9.9 points and 7.3 rebounds this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 1, 2021

Love was a key contributor for the Cavs team that won the 2016 NBA Finals but has since encountered multiple injury setbacks and has been the subject of numerous trade rumors over the past couple of years. Thus far this season, he's averaging 9.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per game as a reserve.

Cleveland lost to the Phoenix Suns 101-92 on Saturday night.

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