Cleveland Cavaliers forward center Lauri Markkanen (24) drives past Charlotte Hornets guard Ish Smith (10). Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Cavaliers' Lauri Markkanen in health protocols, out indefinitely

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/3/21

The Cleveland Cavaliers were without forward Kevin Love for Monday's game at the Charlotte Hornets because he entered the NBA's health and safety protocols but nevertheless notched a 113-110 win to improve to 4-4 on the young season.

Cleveland revealed additional negative news on the coronavirus front Wednesday ahead of an evening matchup versus the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Cavaliers confirmed that forward Lauri Markkanen also entered the league's health and safety protocols and will be sidelined through at least Wednesday night.

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

NBA insider Shams Charania reports Markkanen will likely be out of action for "several games" following Wednesday's development.

Sources: Cleveland's Lauri Markkanen is expected to miss several games due to health and safety protocols.

Around NBA, Markkanen, Cavaliers' Kevin Love, Milwaukee's Khris Middleton and Philadelphia's Tobias Harris have entered protocols this week.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 3, 2021

Love is also on track to miss multiple contests, per previous reports.

Markkanen joined the Cavs via a three-team offseason trade that, somewhat ironically, included Portland. Per ESPN stats, he started in each of Cleveland's first eight games and is averaging 12.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.

The Athletic's Kelsey Russo suggests Cedi Osman could start in Markkanen's place for at least Wednesday's game. Cleveland plays at the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

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