Nicolas Batum enters COVID protocol / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports Credit Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum entered the COVID-19 protocol hours before Wednesday night's road game against the Denver Nuggets.

Los Angeles Clippers / Schedule

New Orleans Pelicans Los Angeles Clippers113-89 San Antonio Spurs Los Angeles Clippers101-94 Los Angeles Clippers Indiana Pacers139-133 Denver Nuggets Los Angeles ClippersThu03:00 Philadelphia 76ers Los Angeles ClippersSat00:00 New York Knicks Los Angeles ClippersSun18:00 Washington Wizards Los Angeles ClippersWed00:00

The contest is the opener of an eight-game road trip for the Clippers.

Batum was coming off his best game of the season as he established season highs of 32 points and seven 3-pointers in Monday's 139-133 home win over the Indiana Pacers.

The 33-year-old scored in double digits in each of the past two games. Batum is averaging 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds in 26 games (22 starts).

This is Batum's second COVID-related absence of the season. He missed nine straight games in November and December while in the protocol.

Also, the Clippers could get guard Luke Kennard back after a nine-game absence due to COVID-19 protocol. Kennard, who is listed as questionable, tested positive on Jan. 1 prior to a road game against the Brooklyn Nets.

"I had a rough few days," Kennard told the Los Angeles Times. "I was stuck in New York for a while, which wasn't fun, but was able to get back (to Los Angeles) and still couldn't clear it. It was a tough couple weeks."

Kennard is averaging 11.7 points in 35 games (10 starts) this season.

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.