CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan remained in the NBA's health and safety protocols on Tuesday and did not accompany the team to Cleveland.
The Bulls play the Cavaliers on the road Wednesday. DeRozan entered the health and safety protocols a few hours before Monday's win over the Denver Nuggets.
The absence of the four-time All-Star is a blow for Chicago (17-8) who was virtually tied with the Brooklyn Nets (16-7) for the Eastern Conference lead entering Tuesday. He ranked fourth in the NBA in scoring and led the Bulls at 26.4 points per game.
Acquired from San Antonio in a sign-and-trade deal in the offseason, DeRozan has played a huge role in Chicago's resurgence. The Bulls are eyeing their first playoff appearance since 2017.
The NBA's health and safety protocols require players to be sidelined at least 10 days or record two negative COVID-19 tests in a 24-hour period before they can resume basketball activities.
