Utah Jazz: Boozer still not ready to return to lineup

MINNEAPOLIS — Because Carlos Boozer still isn't ready to return, backup Paul Millsap should get at least one more start and — the way things have been going lately — one more chance to double up.

While pedaling away on a stationary bike prior to practice Monday, Boozer said he's "feeling a lot better" — but probably won't play tonight, when the Jazz visit Minnesota.

"But I'm hoping for Thursday maybe," the All-Star power forward said. "Or, if not that, then the next game after that."

The 13-9 Jazz return home to face Portland for a game nationally televised by TNT on Thursday, then play host to Orlando on Saturday before departing for a five-game Eastern road swing.

Boozer planned to travel to Minnesota, but he'll officially be listed as "doubtful" — much like he has for the last couple weeks.

"I'm going to go there so I can be with the fellows and be with my team," said Boozer, who has sat out 10 straight games due to a strained quadriceps tendon over his left knee, including Saturday's 106-104 loss at Phoenix.

Millsap has started Utah's last nine games in Boozer's place and has had scoring-rebounding double-doubles in each of his past eight.

During those 10 games Boozer has been absent, in fact, Millsap has averaged 16.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks.

That's exactly double the points and nearly the double the boards he averaged last season, his second after being taken from Louisiana Tech in the 2006 NBA Draft's second round.

At eight, it's also double the number of double-doubles Millsap had all of last season.

And it includes 20 points and 12 boards against the Suns, who nevertheless handed the Jazz their third loss in their last five outings — making Utah just 5-5 while Boozer has been out.

In that regard, Boozer's eventual return — Millsap's highly regarded fill-in work notwithstanding — is much-anticipated by the Jazz.

With reserve big man Kyrylo Fesenko practicing Monday and cleared to play after missing multiple games due to a strained lower back, Utah — which also has been without starting point guard Deron Williams, sixth man Andrei Kirilenko and reserve forward Matt Harpring, among others, at various times this season due to an assortment of injuries — finally is inching toward an almost fully healthy roster.