
Utah Jazz star, Donovan Mitchell suffered an ankle sprain and will miss multiple games. The injury came on the 16th against the Pacers in the third quarter of a 119-111 win. The video of the injury looked a lot worse than what an MRI revealed. Luckily there was no structural damage.
Donovan Mitchell was helped off the floor by his teammates after suffering an apparent leg injury. pic.twitter.com/yLqyJFbob0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 16, 2021
The Jazz, who currently lead the NBA a 42-15 record, will miss Mitchell for as long as he is out. The goal is to introduce him back to the lineup and get ready to go before the 2021 NBA Playoffs, but that may be easier said than done. With the Bubble season and this 72-game shortened season being so close together we have seen some not-so-great injuries. Is it because of the grueling schedule the last year? More than likely.
Jamal Murray is out the rest of the season, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have missed quite a bit of time with their own injuries. Spencer Dinwiddie has been out since December 28th. LaMelo Ball is out with an injury. James Wiseman is another rookie that is now out for the season after tearing his meniscus. Teams have been having a hard time with lingering injuries that keep players out a week or two here and there on top of these bigger injuries.
MRI on right ankle sprain of Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell revealed no structural damage, sources tell ESPN. He’s expected to miss several games before he’s cleared to return.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 17, 2021
If there are lessons to learn from recent injuries, such as Kevin Durant before his Achilles tear, DeMarcus Cousins and his attempt to return from injury, and Klay Thompson recently it is to take recovery seriously and slowly. These players have the best trainers and sports doctors on the staff of course, but teams want their best product on the court whenever possible. The NBA is a business at the end of the day. Hopefully, Mitchell is able to return and stay healthy the rest of the season as the Jazz are headed for a top-seed.