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Donovan Mitchell out for Jazz-Grizzlies Game 1 after declaring he was 'ready to go'

After saying he was "ready to go" for Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was ruled out for Sunday's game.

The Jazz made the announcement hours after Mitchell announced his plan to play. Mitchell hasn't played since May 16, missing the final 16 games of the regular season with a high right ankle sprain.

He told reporters early Sunday that his ankle felt good and that he was planning to play Sunday night.

“I’m ready to go tonight,” Mitchell said. “No pain. I’m excited to get going.”

Medical staff sidelined Donovan Mitchell

Head coach Quin Snyder told reporters that Jazz medical staff met with Mitchell after shootaround and made the decision to hold him out of Sunday's game. Staff will re-evaluate him on a day-to-day basis.

Snyder also confirmed that Mitchell wants to play.

"Obviously, Donovan being the competitor he is wants to be out there, and hopefully he'll be out there soon," Snyder said.

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz warms up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 29, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell won't play in Game 1 against the Grizzlies. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) (Alex Goodlett via Getty Images)

Can Jazz fend off Grizzlies minus Mitchell?

Mitchell is Utah's leading scorer, averaging 26.4 points to go with 5.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point distance. The 24-year-old made his second All-Star game this season as Utah clinched the No. 1 seed in the West with the NBA's best record.

With Mitchell out, the Jazz will continue look to Bojan Bogdanović, Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley and Joe Ingles to pick up the scoring slack.

Without Mitchell, the Jazz dropped Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series 112-109. Game 2 is Wednesday.

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