Utah Jazz notebook: Carlos Boozer practiced, likely to play Saturday

SALT LAKE CITY — A couple of hairy problems seem to be under control for the Utah Jazz.

For one thing, Carlos Boozer made it through his first full practice with the team on Friday morning.

That means the two-time All-Star power forward is optimistic he will play in tonight's big Northwest Division showdown with the Denver Nuggets after missing three games with a strained right calf.

"I'm doing well," Boozer said prior to Friday's workout. "All is well. ... As long as it feels great, I'll play (today)."

Officially, Boozer will be a game-time decision.

Something that won't be there for the 7 p.m. tipoff — and what literally had to be considered the hairier problem — is Deron Williams' bushy beard.

The point guard shaved most of his furry facial hair, and was sporting a trimmed goatee at practice Friday.

Williams originally vowed not to shave until the Jazz won five games in a row. He then kept the beard for a couple more wins as Utah's winning streak reached seven games before finally deciding to give it a long-overdue trim.

Tempting fate?

Perhaps.

But at least he won't get compared to Baron Davis or Brigham Young any more. His milk mustache for an upcoming ad campaign might be easier to apply as well.

"It's gone," said Williams, adding that everybody keeps telling him he looks younger now. "I feel lighter. I feel like I can jump higher."

Williams only hopes his injured teammate feels the same way tonight.

"We're playing great right now and Booz is a big part of that," Williams said. "We've been able to manage without him the last couple of games, but we need him back on the floor for us."

Even before Friday's practice, Boozer felt good about two "great individual workouts" he had with Jazz assistant coach Tyrone Corbin on Wednesday and Thursday.

Boozer doesn't plan on easing his way back into the action, either, when he returns after getting injured a week ago Wednesday at Portland.

He anticipates starting and going at full steam.

"I'll just play," he said. "I'll play my regular minutes."

If Boozer plays, Paul Millsap is expected to return to his bench role. The power forward averaged 23 points, 61 percent shooting and 10.7 rebounds while starting the past three games.

MAKING A POINT: Williams certainly respects Denver point guard Chauncey Billups, who was just named to the All-Star team for the fifth straight year as the injured Chris Paul's replacement.

Billups certainly is not the Nuggets' only guard that gives the Jazz fits, though.

"The person that's hurt us the most this year is Ty Lawson," Williams said. "(His) ability to get down the lane."

The quick rookie point guard has lit up the Jazz at times. Against Utah, Lawson is averaging 17 points on 55.9 percent shooting, 5.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 30.3 minutes.