The Dallas Mavericks routed the Utah Jazz in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead in the series and things only got worse for the Jazz from there.
Late in the fourth quarter, trailing by 28 points, Utah star guard Donovan Mitchell came up hobbling with an apparent left leg injury.
Mitchell went straight to the locker room and did not return to the game.
How serious is Mitchell's injury? Here's everything we know below.
What is Donovan Mitchell's injury?
The Jazz were trailing by 28 points with under five minutes to play in the game when Mitchell came up hobbling, grabbing his left leg. It is unknown why Mitchell – or any of the starters – were still in the game, but the Jazz guard went straight back to the locker room and did not return to the contest.
After the game, the Jazz announced Mitchell has a left hamstring injury.
Donovan Mitchell has a left hamstring injury, Jazz say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 26, 2022
Further evaluation scheduled for Tuesday after the team has returned to Utah.
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On Tuesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the MRI on Mitchell's hamstring was negative but the three-time All-Star is dealing with bruising in both quads. Utah is optimistic that Mitchell will be able to play in Game 6.
ESPN Sources: The MRI on the left hamstring of Jazz star Donovan Mitchell was negative today, but Mitchell is dealing with bruising in both of his quads. There remains optimism for his availability vs. Dallas in Game 6 on Thursday. The Mavericks lead the series, 3-2.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 26, 2022
How long will Donovan Mitchell be out?
According to The Salt Lake Tribune's Eric Walden, Mitchell says he'll "be ready to go" for Game 6 on Thursday, April 28.
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell said he'll "be ready to go tomorrow." Said there was a little soreness. Two bruises on the left, one on the right.
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) April 27, 2022
This doesn't come as a surprise, as Mitchell said following Game 5 that he'll be "fine" when asked if he'd be ready for Game 6.
"We'll see how I feel, but I'm a competitor."
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) April 26, 2022
Donovan Mitchell confirms he will get an MRI tomorrow on the hamstring injury that caused him to exit Game 5 early. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/jL83wZxgUp
Mitchell will look to bounce back from a poor showing in Game 5 where he went for just nine points while shooting 4-for-15 from the field and 0-for-7 from 3.
Jazz vs. Mavericks schedule, TV channels
As the higher seed, Dallas was the home team in Games 1 and 2, while Utah hosted Games 3 and 4. Game 5 was in Dallas and Game 6 will be in Salt Lake City.
If required, Game 7 would be played in Dallas.
(All times Eastern)
Date | Game | Time | National TV (US) |
April 16 | Game 1: Jazz 99, Mavericks 93 | Final | ESPN |
April 18 | Game 2: Mavericks 110, Jazz 104 | Final | NBA TV |
April 21 | Game 3: Mavericks 126, Jazz 118 | Final | NBA TV |
April 23 | Game 4: Jazz 100, Mavericks 99 | Final | TNT |
April 25 | Game 5: Mavericks 102, Jazz 77 | Final | TNT |
April 28 | Game 6 | 10:00 p.m. | TBD |
April 30 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary