Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Duke Basketball Starting Forward Out With Knee Injury
Duke basketball sophomore Mark Mitchell is a no-go for the 11th-ranked Blue Devils (12-3, 3-1 ACC) in their Saturday evening home bout against unranked Georgia Tech (8-7, 1-3 ACC). The program announced the news on social media 30 minutes before tipoff, noting that the 20-year-old full-time starting forward has a sprained knee.
There's no word yet on when Mitchell sustained his injury. He's on the bench in street clothes, able to walk without needing crutches, and exhibits no noticeable limp.
Mitchell, a potential 2024 first-round draft pick, is averaging 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds across his 14 appearances this season, recently combining for 44 points and 20 boards in victories over Syracuse and Notre Dame.
Due to Mark Mitchell's absence, second-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer opted to roll out a four-guard starting five, reinserting sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor, alongside freshman guards Jared McCain and Caleb Foster, senior guard Jeremy Roach, and sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski.
The Blue Devils have won seven straight, dating back to their 72-68 loss at Georgia Tech on Dec. 2. In that contest, Proctor went down early with a sprained ankle, costing him four weeks of action.
Following the bout against the Yellow Jackets, Duke has a week off before hosting unranked Pitt in Cameron Indoor Stadium at 8 p.m. ET next Saturday.
At the time this article was published, the Blue Devils led Georgia Tech, 24-18, with 10:11 remaining in the first half.
Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.
