JaKarr Sampson will miss Friday's game in Boston, first Pacer out due to health and safety protocols

Before All-Star break, the Pacers will play five games over the next seven days.

Sampson plays sparingly off the bench. (Photo: PS&E)

The Pacers made it almost three months without their first absence due to the NBA’s extensive health and safety protocols. Forward JaKarr Sampson recorded the team’s first instance and he is unavailable for their game Friday night in Boston.

The protocols keep a player or staff member away from the team…