Utah Jazz-OKC Game 2 Preview: Can the Jazz steal home court advantage?

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz waits for Game One of the Western Conference in the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder to start at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan Mitchell;
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz waits for Game One of the Western Conference in the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder to start at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan Mitchell;
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz watches game action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz watches game action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Donovan Mitchell is listed as a game-time decision

The health of Donovan Mitchell is going to be the biggest factor heading into the game for the Jazz. He was not rattled at all by the stage of his first playoff game. He would score nine points over just the first few minutes, and finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds. In doing so, he became the first rookie since LeBron James to record 25-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in a playoff debut. He was outstanding and everything Jazz fans hoped he would be.

Currently, Donovan Mitchell is listed as a game-time decision for tonight’s game. On his chances of playing in Game 2, Donovan Mitchell said:

"“I’m real determined on playing but if my body can’t, I’m not going to push it now and not be available the rest of the series. I think it’s a matter of being smart with it.”"

If Mitchell is unable to suit up, the Jazz offense is going to be in trouble, especially if Joe Ingles is once again not able to have much of an effect. The bench had an admirable game, and really helped to keep the Jazz in this matchup. However, Mitchell was the lone starter who seemed to have a positive impact over the course of the night.

Without Mitchell, the Jazz do not have another go-to scorer to match up with the likes of Westbrook and George. Only time will tell for this one. I will gladly take 80 percent of Donovan Mitchell over no Mitchell. However, if there is the potential that he could further the injury and be out for the entire series, it is better to give him more time to recover.