By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
One day after Kevin Love, the Cleveland Cavaliers confirmed the addition of Lauri Markkanen in the health and safety protocols implemented by the NBA, via a brief statement released on Wednesday.
Per the Cavaliers: “Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen will enter the NBA’s health and safety protocols today and will be out for tonight’s game vs. Portland. Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time.”
Every player of the Cavaliers has been vaccinated against coronavirus, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
It can be considered likely that the Finnish forward will remain out beyond the home fixture opposite the Portland Trail Blazers. Coming up next on the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season schedule, a couple of away games versus the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks, Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Markkanen, 24, moved to Cleveland through a sign-and-trade deal in late August after spending his first four NBA seasons at the Chicago Bulls. He has immediately fit in as a starting option for J. B. Bickerstaff averaging 12.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per match. His side at 4-4 is currently tied with the defending champions and Central Division rivals Milwaukee Bucks in the tenth place of the Eastern Conference.
Cedi Osman is among the players probable to receive a playing time boost while Love and Markkanen are sidelined. Over his first seven 2021-22 appearances, the Turkish forward has logged 8.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 17.4 minutes per match coming off the bench.
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