Utah Jazz: Andrei Kirilenko says he should be ready for Game 3 on Saturday

SALT LAKE CITY — Andrei Kirilenko didn't pull out a crystal ball or some Russian tarot cards.

That didn't stop him from using his predicting powers about Game 3.

Boldly, Kirilenko declared the following: "I don't think I'm going to get 48 minutes."

Another prognostication the versatile voyeur made during Thursday's practice might give his teammates and Utah Jazz fans a little more hope for Saturday's second-round game at EnergySolutions Arena.

Optimistically, Kirilenko doesn't think he's going to get zero minutes, either.

He fully intends to return for the third Jazz-Lakers showdown after missing 23 of the past 25 regular season and playoff games because of his oft-strained left calf.

"Right now I feel like I'm going on a good program," he said, "and I should be ready for Saturday."

Kirilenko's minutes will likely be limited, and it remains to be seen if the contribution he'll be able to make after nursing injuries for two months will be, too.

Coach Jerry Sloan, perhaps more cautious than optimistic, used the phrase "wait and see" several times on Thursday. He isn't sure how game-ready Kirilenko will be by Saturday, conditioning-wise or health-wise.

"He hasn't played in a long time," Sloan said. "I don't know that I'd play him that much. I just hope that we could get some minutes somewhere along the line — that would give us some help."

Considering the Lakers' height, Sloan indicated he'll probably use Kirilenko more as a power forward — throwing him in the mix down low to help Utah's overwhelmed bigs.

The Jazz, no doubt, would also love to see his lanky, athletic 6-foot-9 frame get in Kobe Bryant's way.

"We're definitely happy to have him back," Jazz point guard Deron Williams said. "It's just a different look than we've had. He's a guy that does a lot of special things for us on this team defensively, offensively.

"He just brings intangibles to the game."

Kirilenko admits he's also bringing a lot of rust to the first game he's played in since March 26. He compares the process he's going through right now to getting ready for the preseason.

"You started over," he said, "haven't played for two months. It's going to be pretty tough, but you have to start."

Kirilenko said he might have been able to play a few minutes in Game 2, but opted instead to come back even stronger after the series' three-day break in action.