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It looks as if Donovan Mitchell’s return to action may have to wait.
While the Jazz guard was hoping to play in Game 1 of Utah’s first-round playoff series against the Grizzlies, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Mitchell (ankle) isn’t expected to be back for the contest Sunday night.
Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell isn’t expected to play vs. Memphis in Game 1 tonight, sources tell ESPN. Mitchell has been working toward his return from a sprained right ankle.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 23, 2021
Mitchell previously said that, “barring any setbacks,” he wanted to return to the court in Game 1.
“The goal is to be out there and helping my teammates to try and win a championship,” he said, per Utah’s official website. “That’s been the goal all year.”
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Instead, it looks as if he’ll miss his 17th consecutive game. In the previous 16, the Jazz posted a 10-6 record.
Certainly, the Jazz will miss Mitchell against Memphis. He is their leading scorer at 26.4 points per game, and he also averaged 5.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game in the regular season.
In his absence, the Jazz will have to lean on Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles to help carry the backcourt load. The three have combined to average 46.7 points per game this season.