SALT LAKE CITY – Utah rookie Donovan Mitchell has quickly gained the respect of some of the NBA’s biggest stars, as an ultra-talented guard whose upside seems to be through the roof. New Orleans players need no further evidence of Mitchell’s ability than the Pelicans’ Dec. 1 visit to Utah, when Mitchell racked up a still-season-high of 41 points in a 114-108 Jazz win.
Slowing down the likes of Mitchell and athletic wing Alec Burks (24 points off the bench in the Dec. 1 game) is a top priority for New Orleans (18-18) on Wednesday, in a rematch against Utah (16-21) in Vivint Smart Home Arena.