Dallas Mavericks: How will the Jazz adjust with Donovan Mitchell out?

The Dallas Mavericks traveled to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening. They have lost two straight, but are expected to get three players back for the first time in over two weeks. Josh Richardson, Dwight Powell, and Dorian Finney-Smith are all set to return from the league’s health and safety protocols. The Mavs still have Maxi Kleber out, but will have the rest of their rotation for the first time this season.

The Jazz have won nine straight games but received some bad news on Wednesday afternoon. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is out against the Mavericks as he enters the league’s concussion protocol. The 24-year-old leads the team in scoring and is the engine of their offense.

How will the Jazz adjust on Wednesday night with Donovan Mitchell out? Let us take a closer look before trying to determine how the Mavs will counter.

How will the Jazz adjust with Donovan Mitchell out against the Dallas Mavericks?

Utah has started the same five players in all 17 games, which is miraculous given the circumstances of the season. Mitchell’s absence leaves the Jazz thin in the backcourt. Sixth man Jordan Clarkson is having an outstanding year and will be asked to fill that scoring role. Mike Conley should see more run as the team’s primary playmaker. Expect Joe Ingles to be asked to taking on a larger ball-handling role too.

The Mavs will play small to counter the Jazz. Expect Kristaps Porzingis to get the majority of his minutes at the five on Wednesday night. The returns of Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith should allow them to matchup on Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson. Luka Doncic will be ready to go off. Expect the Jazz to use Royce O’Neale to try to slow him down.

Things are looking up for the Dallas Mavericks. Remember, this is the first of a two-game series in Utah. Fans should keep an eye on how the three returners are playing on Wednesday night. Do not miss what promises to be a fun and exciting game.