Grizzlies' Valanciunas pulled mid-game for health and safety protocols

Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas has been pulled from the remainder of Friday's game versus the Brooklyn Nets due to health and safety protocols, the team announced.

Valanciunas, 28, recorded eight points, four rebounds, two steals, and a block in 14 minutes during the first half. He left the game with 1:05 remaining in the second quarter.

The veteran center's sudden departure is not the result of a positive COVID-19 test, a team source told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Valanciunas was not included on the pregame injury report, nor were any of the six Grizzlies players listed as out versus the Nets due to health and safety protocols.