Utah Jazz have some big problems

PHILADELPHIA — Jazz point guard Deron Williams practiced Monday but — after missing the season's first six games with a sprained left ankle — isn't sure if he'll play tonight in Philadelphia.

Beyond their still-uncertain point guard situation, however, the 5-1 Jazz have even bigger concerns.

Or at least some issues with their bigs.

Starting center Mehmet Okur has been excused by the team to tend to a family illness in his native Turkey.

He left for home on Monday, leaving behind a team that went just 2-5 when he missed seven straight games last December due to a trapezoid-muscle strain.

After their practice Monday afternoon, the Jazz weren't sure when Okur would return — though there seemed to be some doubt that he'll make it back before the conclusion of a five-game trip that has four stops left, including tonight's.

"I just close my eyes and see him when he shows up," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "That's about all we can do with anybody, whether it be injury, sickness or whatever."

Through six games — including Sunday's 107-99 loss at New York — the 2007 NBA All-Star is averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and a team-high 36.8 minutes per game.

The strong-shooting big man's absence could have quite an adverse impact.

"We don't have any real length to our team when Memo goes out," Sloan said.

Compounding Utah's problems up front is the situation behind Okur.

Would-be backup center Jarron Collins took part only in noncontact drills during practice Monday and isn't likely to be available against the 76ers. He's been out all season due to a bruised right elbow, bursitis and triceps tendinitis — all injuries tied to an offseason golf-cart accident.

Further complicating matters, the Jazz on Monday also said reserve center Kyrylo Fesenko would leave the team to go to Toronto to address a visa situation.

He will re-enter the United States from Canada, thereby avoiding the need for a return trip to his native Ukraine before his current visa expires.

Fesenko is expected to miss not only tonight's game but also Wednesday's at Washington. In a best-case scenario, he might return in time for Friday's game at Charlotte. Otherwise, he won't rejoin the Jazz until their trip-ending stop Saturday in Cleveland.