Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George are both nicked up. Is there really a question about either player’s Game 2 status, though?
In the moments after Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz and Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder sang similar tunes. Both had been nicked up during the contest, but scoffed at the possibility they would miss Game 2.
That still seems to be the likeliest outcome. However, Utah’s injury report and word out of Thunder practice on Tuesday might lead one to believe otherwise.
According to the latest update from the Jazz, Mitchell (foot contusion) is questionable to play. So, too, is George (hip contusion), per Thunder coach Billy Donovan.
Let’s start with George.
Although the Thunder star apparently didn’t make OKC’s own injury report, he was limited in practice and didn’t do any contact work. Said Donovan: “I’m not going to do anything more than see where he’s at tomorrow.”
George was hobbled on a drive to the hoop when he made contact with Jazz center Rudy Gobert during the second quarter of Game 1. He later said it was a re-aggravation of an injury he suffered against the Atlanta Hawks in March.
Donovan Mitchell (left foot contusion) is questionable tomorrow and went through portions of practice today.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 17, 2018
Mitchell, meanwhile, came up lame on a drive attempt as well when OKC big man Alex Abrines stepped on his foot. Reports following the game indicated that the injury wasn’t significant, but things took a more cautious tone recently. Like George, he was only a partial participant in practice.
All that being said, it seems like the hubbub surrounding Mitchell and George on Tuesday is one part precaution, one part gamesmanship. In the playoffs, it usually takes more than bruises to keep marquee guys on the shelf.
And, once again, both players have already indicated they would play through the pain. Teammates have even chimed in about their availability —
Royce O'Neale: "He (Donovan Mitchell) is going to be good come Wednesday."
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) April 16, 2018
If I was a gambler (and I am!), I’d wager that both will be on the court for Game 2.
Although the Jazz would probably be copacetic to getting a reprieve from George, who torched them for 36 points on Sunday, it’s more important to them that Mitchell is playing.
Game 2 between the Jazz and Thunder from OKC is on Wednesday night. Tip-off is at 6 PM MT.