From Deseret News archives:
Kirilenko, Price doubtful for game with Phoenix
"We'll see," Kirilenko said. "It's always 'game-time decision' right now."
Kirilenko has missed the Jazz's last two games due to lower-back inflammation, an injury originally sustained during practice last Thursday.
He hasn't practiced or played since but did take part in pre-practice free-throw shooting drills Wednesday with Jazz special assistant Jeff Hornacek.
"(Tuesday) it was getting a little better," Kirilenko said, "but still, I have some problems sitting for a long time."
Kirilenko stood for most of the game, in fact, while watching the Jazz's Tuesday-night win over Indiana.
"I just can't sit," he said. "It just locks me. ... A little something's still there. But at least I can walk, I can shoot. That's a good sign."
Kirilenko, rumored to be part of a squashed offseason trade proposal that could have brought the Suns' Shawn Marion to Utah, made it clear he wishes he can go tonight.
"I love to play against Phoenix," he said. "I like their (running) style, because you get a lot of open opportunities — not only offensively, but defensively."
Price, meanwhile, missed Tuesday's with a sprained left ankle sustained in practice Monday. The Utah Valley State product also didn't practice Wednesday.
HE SAID IT: Indiana coach Jim O'Brien, on Utah's recent acquisition of ex-Philadelphia swingman Kyle Korver: "I think the trade ... was really a stroke of genius, because he does some things I think (Jazz coach) Jerry (Sloan) is really going to like. It gives them a veteran that can space the court."
HE SUGGESTED IT: ESPN.com's John Hollinger in an online chat: "What about trading (center Mehmet) Okur and playing smaller with (Kirilenko) at the 4? That's where he had the most success in past seasons, and it creates more minutes to play Korver as a shooter and spread out the opponents' D."
Okur for whom?
"You'd be trying to get a small forward to start ahead of Korver and use (Korver) 25 minutes off the pine," Hollinger said. "(Kirilenko) will take care of some of the D because he'll block a ton of shots if you move him back to the 4, but yes, it would leave them a bit short in terms of post defenders. Gotta give up something to get something."
BALLOT BRIBE: The Jazz are enticing fans to stuff the ballot box for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game by promising a free $1 hot dog for every 10 ballots filled out and submitted during tonight's game.
