SALT LAKE CITY — Just a few hours before tip-off, it was announced that Jazz star Donovan Mitchell will not play in Game 1 between Utah and the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
JUST IN: Donovan Mitchell will not play tonight against the Grizzlies
— Andrea Urban (@AndreaUrbanTV) May 23, 2021
In the days leading up to the start of the playoffs, Mitchell was expected to return to action after missing five weeks due to an ankle injury.
“The overriding thing for Don is that he's listening to his body,” Coach Quin Snyder said previously. “That will determine where he is. Obviously, he wants to be effective. He can be. But he's also got to be able to function out there in a way where he feels he can be impactful. That's the goal.”
Even as of late Sunday morning, fourth-year Jazzman was planning to play.
Donovan Mitchell: "I feel good. Always gonna be soreness. I feel good, I’m ready to go tonight. No pain. I’m excited to get going." Declines to say "for game-planning purposes" if he's on a minutes restriction.
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) May 23, 2021
While Mitchell's role in the team's success is undeniable, the Jazz are not lost without the two-time All-Star. Since his injury on April 16 during a game against the Indiana Pacers, Utah has won 10 games and lost six. That's a 62.5% win rate.
This is a developing news story. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
