Donovan Mitchell's Injury is Final Nail in Utah Jazz Coffin
By Reed Wallach
The Utah Jazz are up against it, and now they are banged up.
After losing Game 5 in Dallas 102-77, the Jazz will return to Utah to keep their season alive. However, Donovan Mitchell is battling a leg injury that may leave the team helpless in Game 6 with Luka Doncic looking more than capable in his return from injury in Game 4 and 5.
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
So, Mitchell's hamstring MRI came back clean, but he also has a quad issue to deal with. Mitchell's defense has been underwhelming this series and he has been inefficient on offense. The Jazz guard is averaging 26 points and five assists on 37/19/89 shooting splits.
Here are the updated odds for Game 6 in Salt Lake City from WynnBET Sportsbook:
Mavericks vs. Jazz Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Mavericks: -2.5 (-110)
- Jazz: +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Mavericks: -140
- Jazz: +115
Total: 209.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Line Move Based on Donovan Mitchell Injury
The Mavericks are -625 to win one of the next two games and send the Jazz home in the first round. After opening as one-point underdogs following Game 5, the market has moved swiftly towards Doncic and the Mavericks.
Now, with Mitchell's effectiveness in doubt, the Mavs are now 2.5-point road favorites in a closeout game. Utah split its two home games against the Mavericks, losing by eight in Game 3 and squeaking out a one-point Game 4 win.
Here is the latest on Mitchell's availability heading into Thursday night, from ESPN's Tim MacMahon:
"Mitchell has bilateral quadriceps contusions and will continue treatment, according to the Jazz. Sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that there is optimism that Mitchell will be available for Game 6 on Thursday at home against the Dallas Mavericks, when the Jazz are facing elimination."
"Mitchell limped off the court after his hamstring tightened up late in the blowout loss in Game 5. He doubled over in pain in the tunnel while en route to the locker room, but Mitchell expressed hope after the loss that he would play in Game 6. His status for Game 6 will officially be updated Wednesday."
Can an underdog come back and win in the first round? Check out the latest episode of Bet & Breakfast for our picks!