Nikola Jokic Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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The Denver Nuggets announced Tuesday that back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokić will miss Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks after entering the league’s health and safety protocols.

The Nuggets announced the news on their injury report. Point guard Bones Hyland is also in the COVID-19 protocol and will miss the game.

While many people have not given much thought to COVID-19 lately, and President Joe Biden announced almost two months ago that the pandemic is “over,” people are still getting sick. And the current Omicron strains going around, while not as deadly as the earlier variants, are more easily spread.

The NBA revised its health and safety protocols before this season to reflect the changing realities of COVID. The guidelines did not specify a certain timetable for players to sit out after a positive test.

The new guidelines stated players must “Immediately isolate after a positive or inconclusive test,” and “Clearance from their team physician and league physician required per NBA testing and clearance policy.”

While NBA players entering the COVID-19 protocol have been a rarity this season compared to the past two campaigns, it still happens. The Utah Jazz alone had three players miss time last month in the protocol.

Jokić is averaging 20.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game for the Nuggets this season. Hyland is knocking down 14 points per game.

NBA fans shared their reactions on Twitter to the surprising news.

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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