Utah Jazz: Boozer still out; Brewer back in starting lineup

BOSTON — He didn't take part in the Jazz's morning shootaround here today, and won't play tonight against the Boston Celtics.

But according to coach Jerry Sloan he hasn't suffered any setbacks, either.

Instead, All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer simply continues to rehab — with the Jazz still uncertain when he'll return from a strained left quadriceps tendon and bruised kneecap sustained nearly a month ago, on Nov. 19 vs. Milwaukee.

"I don't know when he'll be back," Sloan said after shootaround at TD Banknorth Garden. "We'll just see when he gets here."

After tonight, Boozer will have missed 14 straight games.

If he wants to get in a full practice before returning, opportunity will come Tuesday, when the Jazz practice in Boston before heading to New Jersey for Wednesday's game against the Nets — which will be No. 2 in a five-stop Eastern road swing.

Also today, Sloan said Ronnie Brewer — back after missing last Saturday's home loss to Orlando, because he was attending a funeral for a maternal aunt — will return to his usual spot at shooting guard in the Jazz's starting lineup.

Not on the trip is injured big man Jarron Collins, who is out until at least early January due to an elbow injury sustained in an offseason golf-cart accident.

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