5 reasons Utah Jazz can win 2021 NBA championship

Jan 26, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) slaps the hand of center Rudy Gobert (27) during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz wins 108-94. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley should be healthy

While the Jazz were a dominant force before and after the All-Star break, they fell back down to earth following the injuries to guards Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley.

During an April 16 game against the Indiana Pacers, Mitchell left the game with what was later determined to be a right ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Conley has been out with a right hamstring injury since playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 26.

Even without the two pivotal players being out, the Jazz had gone 6-1 prior to Monday’s game against the Warriors. Even so, there is optimism heading into the playoffs. This past Friday, the Jazz announced that Mitchell would be re-evaluated in one week and is making “progress toward a return.” Conley has missed the past eight games, but it could be more for precautionary reasons for him to be 100 percent for the playoffs.

The Jazz have more than held their own without both guards, but having them healthy for the playoffs puts them at a massive advantage throughout the postseason.

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