Jazz keep Grant around

OAKLAND — The Jazz on Sunday signed big man Paul Grant to a second 10-day contract — a possible indication they are fearful starting center Greg Ostertag will be suspended by the NBA for his part in a Saturday night fight with Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Grant, a 7-footer who has appeared in eight games since joining the Jazz on Jan. 1, did not even play in Utah's 102-96 overtime loss to the Cavs.

However, with the Jazz facing the possibility Ostertag could be suspended for one game or more, including tonight's with the Golden State Warriors — and with fellow big men Keon Clark, Curtis Borchardt and Ben Handlogten and usual starting small forward Matt Harpring all still out with long-term injuries — Utah decided to keep Grant for at least another 10 days.

When that short-term deal expires, the Jazz must decide if they will waive the 30-year-old journeyman or sign him for the remainder of the season.

Ostertag traveled with the team to Oakland on Sunday, Jazz spokesman Kim Turner said. But NBA disciplinarian Stu Jackson is investigating the Ostertag-Ilgauskas matter, league spokesman Tim Frank said Sunday night.

"We're looking at it," said Frank, who added any fines and/or suspensions — if Jackson deems they are warranted — would not be levied prior to today.

Ostertag, who stands 7-2 and weighs 280 pounds, and the 7-3, 260-pound Ilgauskas both were ejected with technical fouls for fighting in Saturday's third quarter.

Ostertag fouled Ilgauskas hard along the Cavs' baseline, Ilgauskas took exception and shoved Ostertag, Ostertag answered with flailing arms and Ilgauskas threw at least one punch before the two were separated by teammates, officials and coaches from both benches.

The incident changed the complexion of the game, as Utah blew what was at the time a 16-point lead — down from 18 at the break — and Cleveland forced a five-minute overtime in which it out-scored the Jazz 17-11.

"It was big," Jazz guard Raja Bell said of Ostertag's departure, which came on a night Cavs power forward Carlos Boozer and 6-8 point-forward LeBron James combined for 61 points — 42 coming after the fight, most scored down low.

"He was our force in the middle — changing shots, blocking shots and rebounding," Bell added with reference to Ostertag, who exited with six boards, four points and a couple blocks in 23 minutes. "And when we lost him, they just had no fear of going in our paint."