Utah Jazz: Boozer receives back treatment, is expected at practice Wednesday

Jazz All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer received treatment today on his sore back and is expected to practice Wednesday morning, a Jazz spokesman said early tonight.

Boozer exited Monday's victory over Toronto in the fourth quarter with a mild muscle strain in the left side of his back.

He finished with a 13-point, 12-rebound double as the Jazz won for the 19th straight time at home, tying the franchise record for consecutive home victories.

If Boozer makes it through practice Wednesday without any problems, he is expected to be available when the Jazz play host Thursday night to Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Meanwhile, Jazz starting center Mehmet Okur left Monday's game in the first quarter due to the stomach flu. He is being called a "game-time decision" for Thursday night.

The Lakers continue to expect to be without recently acquired big man Pau Gasol, out with a sprained ankle.

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