Report: Pacers' Caris LeVert to miss play-in game vs. Hornets for NBA's COVID-19 protocols
Indiana Pacers guard Caris LeVert is expected to miss Tuesday's play-in game vs. the Charlotte Hornets because of the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports.
Neither the Pacers nor LeVert have announced what prompted him to be placed in the league's protocols. His placement in protocols does not mean the LeVert has tested positive for COVID-19. He's expected to remain in protocols for 10 to 14 days, according to the report.
LeVert is Indiana's second-leading scorer, averaging 20.7 points, 4.9 assists and four rebounds while shooting 44.3% from the field and 31.8% from 3-point distance since joining the Pacers lineup in March.
LeVert had cancer surgery in January
LeVert arrived in Indiana from the Brooklyn Nets via the James Harden trade in January. Upon his arrival, an MRI revealed a cancerous mass on his left kidney. LeVert required surgery to remove the mass and was able to return to basketball cancer free on March 13.
The loser of Tuesday's Pacers-Hornets game will be eliminated from the postseason. Indiana will host the game as the No. 9 seed against the 10th-seeded Hornets. The winner will advance to face the loser between the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference's other play-in game. The winner of that game will earn the No. 8 seed in the playoffs while the loser will be eliminated.
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