The Utah Jazz will have their floor general back on the floor on Friday, as Mike Conley has been cleared to play against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The 6-foot-1 guard has missed the Jazz's last six contests due to a sore right hamstring.
The team confirmed the positive development hours before tip-off between the two Western Conference juggernauts.
Mike Conley is available to play tonight. pic.twitter.com/8Z8p6jFtpN
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 20, 2021
Mike Conley's return is indeed a great boost for the league-leading Jazz, considering the Clippers' two superstars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, will also reportedly make their return from their respective injuries.
Before his bothersome injury, the 33-year-old playmaker has been averaging 16.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in his first full season in Salt Lake City. Conley is one of the main reasons why Utah is currently the best 3-point shooting team in the league, making 41 percent of his attempts from past the arc in 23 games.
While Conley's leadership was dearly missed, the Jazz were undefeated during their starting point guard's absence and currently riding the high of a nine-game winning streak. Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell has moved over to point guard in Conley's stead, while NBA Sixth Man of the Year frontrunner Jordan Clarkson also absorbed some of his minutes and dazzled off the bench.
Utah also had a league-best 11 game winning streak earlier and has the best record in the league at 24-5, as of writing.
This marquee matchup against the Clippers will be a great test for this Jazz team looking to solidify their place as legitimate title contenders this season. LA, after all, is still a formidable team, currently, third in the West with 21 wins in 30 games.
Follow Us
Subscribe