Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. in NBA protocol, out indefinitely

The case of Denver Nuggets young forward Michael Porter Jr. gets more curious with each day. 

Porter missed a game against the Phoenix Suns and also back-to-back contests versus the Minnesota Timberwolves while in the NBA's health and safety protocol following COVID-19 contact tracing, but he was expected to return for Thursday's showdown with the Dallas Mavericks. However, the Nuggets announced hours before tipoff that the 22-year-old wouldn't be available through Thursday night.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski then raised eyes late Friday afternoon, a time when teams and other organizations often unveil bad news, when he reported that Porter is now out indefinitely. This "Woj bomb" came after the NBA and National Basketball Players Association confirmed that four players have tested positive for the coronavirus since Dec. 30.

Denver is beginning a trip out east and will play at the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, the New York Knicks on Sunday, and the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. The Nuggets return home to host the Golden State Warriors next Thursday evening.

Porter started in all four of his games this season and is third on the Nuggets with 19.5 points and second with 6.8 rebounds and a 26.61 player efficiency rating. Denver sits at 3-5 overall following Thursday's thrilling overtime loss to Dallas.