Boozer will not play in All-Star game

Utah Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer, out with a hairline fracture of the left fibula head, informed the NBA that he will not be able to play in the Feb. 18 All-Star Game.

And the NBA promptly replaced Boozer and Houston's injured Yao Ming with Dallas' Josh Howard and Denver's Carmelo Anthony. The Jazz had hoped to lobby today for a couple of their own players — clutch-shooting center Mehmet Okur and point guard Deron Williams — to be named in Boozer's stead.

Boozer was injured in a collision Jan. 27, and an MRI on Wednesday revealed progress in healing but also showed the break is not completely healed. He will miss at least the next three Jazz games.