Conley leaves bubble for son's birth, reportedly likely to miss 3 games

Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley has left the bubble to be with his wife in Columbus for the birth of their son, the team announced Sunday.

Utah begins its first-round series against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, and Conley will likely miss the opening three contests, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

The 12-year veteran plans to return to Orlando at some point during the postseason, a source told ESPN's Eric Woodyard.

The 32-year-old was acquired this past offseason from the Memphis Grizzlies in a four-player deal.

Conley struggled throughout most of his debut campaign with the Jazz, but he elevated his play during the restart, averaging 18 points, five assists, and three boards while shooting 37.2% from deep across six seeding games.

Key reserve Jordan Clarkson could slide into the starting lineup during Conley's absence. Utah is already without its second-highest scorer Bojan Bogdanovic.