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Donovan Mitchell and 4 other NBA stars getting much-needed rest

By Duncan Smith

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 12: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 12, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 12: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 12, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Donovan Mitchell, NBA
Donovan Mitchell, NBA Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA players getting much-needed rest: James Harden – Brooklyn Nets

Like Mitchell, James Harden is on the rebound from a hamstring injury suffered earlier this season. He missed most of April and returned for two of the final three games of the regular season for the Brooklyn Nets, playing 25 minutes in each.

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The Nets still haven’t really gotten a chance to see all three of Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in action together, and practice can only go so far to get them on the same page. It’s going to have to come in-game, and the rest won’t help them there.

Still, extending Harden’s effective layoff can only have a positive impact on his health going forward.

NBA players getting much-needed rest: Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard isn’t battling injuries, other than the usual bumps, bruises, aches and pains that arrive from a long NBA season. Still, he’s had to carry a heavier load than most this season, keeping his Portland Trail Blazers in the thick of the playoff race with CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic missing much of the season respectively.

The near-week off is an opportunity for him to recharge his batteries before what the Blazers hope will be another long NBA playoff run. He’s coming off one of the best seasons of his career, and ideally, this rest will allow him to continue that into the postseason.