Injury Update: Paul George and Donovan Mitchell expected to play

Though both teams are playing a bit of a chess match Paul George and Donovan Mitchell are expected to play. OKC and Utah are saying the decision will be confirmed post pregame warmup

Heading into Game 2 of the OKC Thunder – Utah Jazz round one series there were questions regarding two key players. For the Thunder the concern was Paul George or ‘Playoff P’ as he dubbed himself. And, for the Utah Jazz the player in question is rookie Donovan Mitchell.

Both sides are playing a bit of possum coyly implying it will depend on how the players feel following pregame warmups. Listen, if these guys don’t have broken bones or are severely hampered they will play.

Paul George:

This would be almost disastrous for the OKC Thunder if Paul George couldn’t go. Even if George isn’t 100 percent it is important he’s on the court.  PG could serve as a decoy for the Thunder offense if necessary. The other key is George’s defense which was critical and successful in game one. George almost single handedly stopped Joe Ingles. Yet, it was his help defense which also played into much of the success the team experienced.

Following the game PG explained the hip was originally hurt in Atlanta and when he fell on one play at the basket he fell on the hip again.

Also noteworthy, is Corey Brewer will play. Although Brewer’s status wasn’t listed as a question mark this likely comes on the heels of Brewer’s recent knee sprain.

Donovan Mitchell:

As for the Jazz, Donovan Mitchell says he’ll play. The rookie hurt his toe in game one which sent him to the locker room for a quick check. Mitchell noted it’s not a big deal and nothing will keep him off the court.

And, before you laugh over a toe consider how much pressure is used to push off in the game of basketball or slide laterally. Odds are if you go through injury reports on the season it might surprise how often toes are listed as a key injury.

On the NBA TV pregame show the other interesting takeaway from the rookie was his Russell Westbrook comments. Mitchell noted he used to post every game day while at Louisville.

His player of choice — a screaming Russell Westbrook. on social media following playoff games. His tweet of choice was almost. MItchell told Dennis Scott it’s crazy how 365 days later he’s in the playoffs facing that very player.

Next: Round 1 complete series hub article compilation

The rookie said now he has to guard him and there is no time to look at Westbrook as his favorite player, now he is the enemy.