Kyle Kuzma was the hero for the Washington Wizards in their latest win over the Detroit Pistons. Now, they'll have to play without him as the fifth-year man enters COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
The news on Kuzma was reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania ahead of the Wizards' Saturday night matchup against the Utah Jazz.
Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma has entered health and safety protocols and is listed out tonight vs. Utah.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 11, 2021
That's a huge loss for a Washington Wizards side that's been reeling as of late. They've lost four of their last six contests and have a grueling stretch of Western Conference matchups on the docket. After their clash with the Jazz, they play on the road against the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and take a trip to Utah to face the Jazz again on their home floor.
Overcoming the loss of Kyle Kuzma will be a tall task for Bradley Beal and Co. as he's been a steady contributor who had yet to miss a game through 26 contests thus far. Kuz is coming off a stellar 26-point effort against the Pistons.
Now would be a terrific time for the Wizards to get back third-year forward Rui Hachimura, who has been sidelined for personal reasons and has slowly been working his way back onto the court.