Donovan Mitchell injury update: When will Jazz star return to NBA Playoffs lineup?

The Utah Jazz really need star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell to return to the lineup fast.

Without Donovan Mitchell in the lineup, the top-seeded Utah Jazz lost their series opener at home to the No. 8-seeded Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night, 112-109.

Mitchell missed the final 16 games of the 2020-21 NBA regular season with a sprained right ankle. While he was able to return to practice on Thursday and was not listed on the injury report as late as Saturday, Mitchell was unable to give it a go in Game 1 vs. Memphis on Sunday. Since Utah only lost by three points, we know it had to be killing him for Mitchell not to be out there.

While he is listed as day-to-day with his nagging ankle injury, when will the Jazz star return?

Donovan Mitchell injury update: When will the Jazz star make his return?

The Jazz medical staff were the ones who decided to hold out Mitchell on Sunday. Clearly, Mitchell is chomping at the bit to get back out there, and his head coach Quin Snyder would be so glad to have him back. The good news for Jazz fans is Mitchell’s injury is only day-to-day at this point. He could return for the Jazz’s next game in Salt Lake on Wednesday night vs. the Grizzlies in Game 2.

So we are looking at three more days of recovery that Mitchell has between maybe making his triumphant return to the lineup. Admittedly, there is increased pressure to have him back after dropping Game 1. Then again, the medical staff could hold him out again. However, facing an 0-2 deficit and a road date at Memphis in Game 3 on Saturday night, Mitchell has no choice but to play.

If Mitchell does not make his return to the lineup on Wednesday night, the Jazz could be in trouble.