The Utah Jazz are facing unfavorable odds on Monday night with Donovan Mitchell out with a sprained ankle against the Toronto Raptors.
On Sunday morning, I went through my typical routine of prepping Utah Jazz fans for the week ahead. In said preview, I took a look at the upcoming slate of games for the week and gave my predictions for each one. As I stewed over what to predict for the game against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, I found myself quite conflicted.
It was still unclear whether Kawhi Leonard would be playing in Los Angeles then resting in Utah, or if he would do the reverse, resting against the Lakers on Sunday then facing the Jazz. Not only that, but despite some injury scares against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, it was presumed that at least Utah’s starting lineup would be intact for Monday night.
As such, I decided to lean towards assuming Kawhi would play in LA, then rest against the Jazz. Then, since it would be the second night of a back-to-back for them without Kawhi playing against a full strength and angry Jazz team, I went out on a limb and pinned the Jazz as the probable winners.
Man, what a difference a few hours makes.
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will be with the Raptors on Monday in Utah, availability will be a game-time decision.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) November 5, 2018
With just a few bits of news coming to the forefront, I’ve changed my tune pretty drastically. First off, Kawhi Leonard didn’t play against the Los Angeles Lakers and since he’s only been resting on half of back-to-back sets, that would leave one to assume that instead he’ll be playing against Utah.
Now, it should be noted that part of the reason he sat out against LA is that he tweaked his foot in Friday’s win over the Phoenix Suns. That may have been more of the reason why he sat out and he’s now been listed as a game-time decision against the Jazz on Monday.
In other words, the Raptors could still be without Kawhi even though he didn’t play on Sunday. And it will still be the second night of a back-to-back for them. So that means it should still give the Jazz a pretty high chance of winning, right? Well, I wouldn’t be too sure anymore.
Raptors are just surgically picking teams apart with their smart offense and abundance of good decision-makers. Kawhi or no Kawhi, Jazz will have their hands full tomorrow. https://t.co/UDcb5VlGqR
— dan c. (@danclayt0n) November 5, 2018
First off, even without Kawhi, the Toronto Raptors looked incredible in Sunday’s contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Raps went up 42-17 after the first quarter and really didn’t look back from there as they went on to win comfortably 121-107. This new-look Raptors squad is deep, well-coached and absolutely in sync, and they showed it in full force by abusing the Lakers even without their superstar.
That said, back-to-back or not, the Jazz are likely in for a challenge when the team that appears to be the best in the East comes to town. But as if facing the East-leading Raptors wasn’t already going to be hard enough, the Jazz and their fans were hit with an even worse bit of news after I released my initial projections for the week – Donovan Mitchell won’t play in the contest.
Tomorrow’s injury report:
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 4, 2018
Donovan Mitchell (left ankle sprain) is OUT.
Alec Burks, Jae Crowder & Derrick Favors are PROBABLE.
It turns out the injury sustained in the game against Denver, though not as serious as some originally presumed, was bad enough that it’s going to keep Mitchell out of action. It’s been reported as an ankle sprain, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him miss a couple of games as the Jazz look to get him back to 100 percent.
As such, without Donovan Mitchell in action, I’m feeling less than optimistic about Utah’s chances. They haven’t looked solid on either side of the ball during their recent three-game losing streak, and without their prolific leading scorer, I don’t see that changing on Monday. Especially if superstar Kawhi Leonard is in action, I just don’t foresee the Jazz having any answers for an incredible Toronto squad.
Prediction – Toronto 112, Utah 100
Perhaps the Jazz will surprise and rally together without Donovan to come out on top. Or maybe the Raptors will be without Kawhi and tired legs will catch up to them and my original optimism will hold true. But with an increased chance that Leonard will indeed play and zero chance that Mitchell will suit up, it’s not looking good for the slumping Utah Jazz on Monday who are in danger of dropping four straight.
The Jazz and Raptors tip-off at 7:00 PM MT within the friendly confines of Vivint Smart Home Arena.