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Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko didn't make the trip with his teammates to play Portland tonight because of a lower back inflammation. Kirilenko injured his back in the last five minutes of Thursday's practice. He'll undergo more examinations today. It's unknown how long he'll be out. Kirilenko averaged 11 points and 6.7 rebounds against the Trail Blazers in the three games the teams have played this season. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said he won't decide who he'll start in Kirilenko's place until after today's shootaround. Guard C.J. Miles got his first start of the year when Kirilenko couldn't play against Boston on Dec. 29 because of a strained biceps. Miles played 23 minutes in that 104-98 loss, shooting 4-for-8 and finishing with 11 points, two rebounds, two steals and an assist. He is averaging 5.7 points and 12.2 minutes this season. Kirilenko's absence probably means more minutes for newcomer Kyle Korver as well, although Sloan said he isn't sure what rotation he'll use. He didn't rule out starting Korver. "I don't know where we'll play him or how we'll play him," Sloan said. "We still have to figure out what we're doing with some of the other guys and see what we can accomplish there and see how they play." Korver averages 12.5 Advertisement points and 14.5 minutes in his first two games with the Jazz. He scored 11 points against the Blazers in his first game with the Jazz. Etc. As the new guy, Korver understands he is in a bit of a predicament, trying to earn playing minutes while forming a partnership with the guys he is competing against for those minutes. He said he has made a point to let it be known he'll do what it takes to make his teammates happy, and the team better. "I just want to win, I haven't won in a while," he said. "I told them I want them to know I have your back and I hope that they have mine. . . Hopefully if they know you are genuine, then the problems that could happen won't.". . . Forward Carlos Boozer will host a weekly radio show on Thursdays from 8-8:15 a.m. on 1320 AM titled "Breakfasts with Boozer." |
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