Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley has returned to the NBA bubble and there's optimism he could clear quarantine and be ready for Game 3 of the team's series against the Denver Nuggets, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The point guard missed Monday's high-octane Game 1 after leaving Orlando due to the birth of his child, but now faces only four days of quarantine after testing negative every day of his departure. If Conley tests positive at any point or misses a test during the next four days, his return to the lineup could be delayed.
Assuming he tests negative every day until Friday, he could suit up for a matinee matchup against Denver, one that will be played early at 4 p.m. ET.
The Jazz fell to the Nuggets in Game 1, despite Donovan Mitchell's career-high 57-point performance. Jamal Muray and Nikola Jokic combined for 65 points and made shots late in a 135-125 overtime affair, which saw the Nuggets outscore the Jazz 20-10 in the extra period.
Conley's return would allow Mitchell to shift back to his natural shooting guard spot, as he was entrusted with point guard duties on Monday. While his scoring output was spectacular, Mitchell also committed five turnovers and had a case of tunnel vision late in the game.
A healthy and able Mike Conley would give the Jazz a different, more controlled pace as well as make Nuggets coach Mike Malone think twice about stunting pick-and-roll plays as he's done with Mitchell.
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