Utah Jazz: AK, Boozer questionable

Well-rested, a bit tanner in several cases and feeling re-energized, the Utah Jazz returned from the All-Star break to some encouraging news.

At practice Monday night, the Jazz learned they'll get one — and possibly two — of their injured players back in the lineup tonight.

Brevin Knight, the backup point guard who missed two games with a left quadriceps contusion, is healthy enough to go again.

But fans hoping to attend the Jazz's "Welcome Back Party" for both Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko might not want to buy tickets for the 7 p.m. home game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The news wasn't quite that encouraging.

Though the season debut of the entire Jazz squad could happen soon, very soon even, you might not want to click the "Purchase Now" icon just quite yet for seats to the upcoming Boston, New Orleans and Atlanta home games.

Oh, so close — oh, so far from pinpointing an exact date for the return of all of the Jazz's major players.

Kirilenko appears to be the closest to returning. The Jazz's sixth-man, who's missed the past 11 games with a right ankle injury, practiced with the team Monday for the first time since his recent surgery. It's possible, depending how his ankle responds to his first full-contact action in a while, that the Russian small forward could play tonight.

"I'm feeling pretty good," Kirilenko said.

"I think the main point is no pain," he added. "No pain, you're good to go."

As for Boozer, who's missed 41 games with his injured/surgically repaired left knee, he warmed up and stretched with the team at Monday's practice. He also did his usual rehab work in the exercise room and the pool.

But the two-time All-Star power forward isn't quite up to full speed just yet. He has, however, been running lately at an easy, non-sprinting pace and has started doing light jumping and shooting drills.

"It feels great. I had a great break," said Boozer of his knee and his recent rehabbing time in Miami. "Got stronger, it's gotten a lot stronger. We'll see how it goes."

Boozer, who hasn't played since Nov. 19, said he's "got to be smart about it" when it comes to finally returning to the court. While Kirilenko was hopeful to see action tonight, Boozer was extra cautious about giving an exact timeline. Both players at one point previously said they wanted to be back against the Grizzlies.