Stress may separate Brown, Chase

Neither 2006 second-round draft choice Dee Brown nor undrafted roster hopeful Brian Chase has separated himself from the other in their battle for the Jazz's No. 3 point-guard position, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan suggested Wednesday.

But that's not necessarily a negative thing.

"They've both played real well," Sloan said. "I'd have to say we're pleased with both of them."

Sloan has said there's even a chance both will stay.

With the Jazz planning to keep only 14 players as opposed to a full roster of 15, however, that seems highly unlikely for now.

The job, then, could wind up going to whichever of the two does not succumb to the stress of having to fight for work.

"I've seen so many cut themselves when the pressure gets to them," Sloan said. "It's part of the business. I mean, it's unfortunate to have to go through it, I guess, but not everybody is blessed with a contract that is guaranteed. If you don't have one, you find out who you are."

With injured veteran Derek Fisher (bruised pelvis) out for at least a few more days, Brown and Chase should get long looks in both the Jazz's preseason home opener tonight vs. Portland and Friday night's exhibition at Sacramento.

KIRILENKO IMPROVING: After missing two exhibitions and multiple practices with a sore lower back, Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko hopes to return tonight.

"I want to," Kirilenko said, adding much depends on how the back is today following a full practice Wednesday. "We'll see how it feels."

Sloan said that if Kirilenko can go he'll likely start, along with Deron Williams at the point and big men Carlos Boozer and Memhet Okur.

Barring injuries, it seems safe to assume those four will start when the Jazz open the regular season Nov. 1 vs. Houston.

Sloan said he wasn't sure who will open at shooting guard tonight, though.

Candidates in the regular season include combo-guard Fisher, previous starter Gordan Giricek, rookie Ronnie Brewer or perhaps swingman Kirilenko at the 2 with Matt Harpring at small forward.

HIGH ON UTAH: Sports Illustrated has picked the Jazz to win the Northwest Division in its 2006-07 NBA Preview Issue, which hit newsstands Wednesday.