Jazz's Rudy Gobert hopes to return during series vs. Clippers

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who suffered a hyperextension and bone bruise to his left knee on the first possession of Utah's 97-95 Game 1 victory Saturday over theLA Clippers, hopes to be able to return during the first-round series.

"Trying to get better every day," Gobert told ESPN via text message Sunday.

An MRI on Saturday night showed no ligament damage, meaning the Defensive Player of the Year candidate avoided serious injury, but his status for the rest of the series remains in question. Jazz coach Quin Snyder was vague Sunday when asked about the timetable for Gobert's return.

"I don't think we're ready to say today, tomorrow, a week, two weeks," Snyder told reporters at the Jazz's practice in Los Angeles. "I think it's literally that wide open."