Warriors’ Kent Bazemore entered into COVID protocol, out Friday vs. Denver

Warriors guard Kent Bazemore has been entered into the league’s health and safety protocol for coronavirus-related contact tracing, a team spokesman told the Bay Area News Group.

With Bazemore joining guard Damion Lee in the protocol, the Warriors could have just nine available players tonight against the Denver Nuggets. If Bazemore is sidelined for the league-mandated seven days, he will also miss Sunday’s game against the Kings and Tuesday night’s game against the Mavericks.

This is a tough blow to Golden State, which has won five of its last seven games with Bazemore in the starting lineup. During that span, Bazemore averaged 11.4 points on 46.8% shooting (50% from 3-point range), 4.4 rebounds, two assists and 1.7 steals in 27.6 minutes per game. Head coach Steve Kerr moved Bazemore into the starting lineup because of his defense- and pass-first approach.

Guard Kelly Oubre Jr., who has come off the bench in the two games since returning from a wrist injury, will likely return to the starting lineup in Bazemore’s place. In 52 games this season (50 starts), Oubre is averaging 15.3 points on 43.9% shooting (31.8% from 3-point range) and six rebounds.