After a loss to the Cavs and a road win Monday night over the Los Angeles Lakers that lifted Utah's record to 14-26, Kirilenko and the rest of the Jazz enjoyed a rare four-day hiatus in their schedule.

Tuesday was an off day. So was Wednesday, but both Kirilenko and fellow injured-list center Jarron Collins still worked out hard. Thursday and Friday, the two took part in practice with the club as it prepares for its final game in the first half of the 2004-05 NBA season.

Collins, who also has an MCL sprain in his right knee, says he is ready to return. But he isn't precisely sure when he will.

"I understand that my conditioning is not where I want it to be right now, but I'm taking steps every day to get back in the best shape I could possibly be in," he said Friday. "But I know I can compete and help my teammates win a game . . . and that's what I look forward to doing."

Kirilenko, meanwhile, seems squarely on track to play tonight at the Delta Center against the Memphis Grizzlies — provided, that is, the knee did not unexpectedly swell up overnight.

"Right now," he said Friday morning, "I feel everything is good.

"Nothing's bothering me."

It remains to be seen just how long Kirilenko will play if he does dress, as the Jazz will monitor his minutes closely.

"I don't really talk about that with (Sloan)," he said, "because I think it's pretty much coach's decision."

This much, though, has been decided by Kirilenko: When he does play again, it will be with a clear mind.

"I don't think it will affect me," Kirilenko said of the knee.

If that indeed is the case, it will be the first time in a long time he has been worry-free.

Watching his team these last several weeks, after all, has not been easy.

For Kirilenko, or any Jazz fan.

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What they've missed

A look at what Andrei Kirilenko did for the Jazz before his injury:

• Points per game: 14.8

• Rebounds per game: 7.2

• Steals per game: 1.4

• Assists per game: 2.6

• Blocks per game: 4.4

• Jazz with Kirilenko: 8-5

• Jazz without Kirilenko: 6-21

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com