Cavs: 3 questions about Markkanen entering protocols

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Lauri Markkanen, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images /

Cavs’ Markkanen enters protocols – When will he return?

Last season, players testing positive for COVID or being deemed a close contact had to go through a long and arduous process that generally resulted in multiple weeks being missed. This time around there is a much faster way to get back on the court.

NBA players testing positive have two avenues toward a return to play -- waiting 10 days from testing positive or onset of symptoms, or passing consecutive negative PCR tests 24 hours apart. Finally, players who experienced symptoms must pass cardiac testing prior to a return.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 3, 2021

If Markkanen either had a false positive or is asymptomatic, he can pass consecutive negative tests and rejoin the team. That could theoretically happen in the next few days, meaning there is a very slight possibility he could be back for Friday’s game in Toronto. Given the travel necessities, however, that seems nearly impossible.

Much more likely is an absence of multiple games. The Cavs play Portland tonight, in Toronto on Friday night and in New York against the Knicks on Sunday. Then they have two nights off before hosting the Washington Wizards next Wednesday night.

If Markkanen stays symptom-free, it’s reasonable to hope he can be back by next Wednesday. If he does develop symptoms then he will likely be sick longer, which is a major bummer for him physically and emotionally, but he will also have a longer path back. If he is out 10 days, that would mean he misses at least five games, including the Detroit game on November 12th, but probably also their Saturday, Nov. 13th home game against the Boston Celtics.