2021 Playoffs: West First Round Jazz vs. Grizzlies

Jazz star Donovan Mitchell (ankle) eyeing return for Game 1

The Jazz All-Star is expecting to be ready for Sunday's clash.

Donovan Mitchell says his goal is to be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell is targeting a return for Game 1 of the postseason.

Mitchell, who has been sidelined since April 16 with a sprained right ankle, told reporters his goal is to suit up for the start of Utah’s first-round series. He practiced with the team on Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury.

“Practice was good,” Mitchell said, via the team’s website. “I got out there and competed. You could tell it was my first time in four or five weeks, but that’s to be expected. Just trying to find ways to get back in a groove, get back in full shape. I feel like I’m getting there. Things are progressing well.”

The top-seeded Jazz will begin their postseason journey on Sunday against the winner of Friday’s Play-In matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies.

The first-round clash will tipoff on TNT at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Mitchell, 24, will embark on his fourth straight playoff appearance. The two-time All-Star averaged a career-high 26.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 53 starts this season.

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