Utah Jazz: Kirilenko planning to play tonight vs. Grizzlies

Andrei Kirilenko still has one last hurdle to clear prior to tipoff, but the Jazz's sixth-man is optimistic he'll be back in uniform for Utah's game against Memphis tonight.

"I'm pretty sure I'm going to play," said Kirilenko, who's missed the last 11 games with a right ankle injury. "I am excited finally to get back."

All he needs now, the small forward said, is the "green light from the doctor and I'm ready to go." That evaluation on his ankle, which he had surgery on to remove bone fragments only 2-1/2 weeks ago, will take place later today. The Jazz are listing Kirilenko officially as "probable."

The Jazz, however, will definitely go without power forward Carlos Boozer tonight. His rehab from surgery on his left knee is still a work in the progress.

As he did Monday night, Boozer said he did a bit of court work, cardio and strengthening exercises this morning as he tries to get his knee back to full strength.

"I'm feeling really good," he said.

Good enough to return Thursday for Boston, Saturday for New Orleans or when?

"That's the question," Boozer, who's missed 41 straight games, said this morning. "It's getting better and hopefully it will continue to improve and I'll be back out there soon."

Kirilenko doesn't feel any pain in his ankle, not even in the incision area, and he fully participated in the Jazz's practice Monday night and again in their shootaround this morning.

"As long as I don't feel pain I can do everything," he said, "and that's what I did yesterday and in the morning right now."

Kirilenko expects to only play between 10-15 minutes as he transitions himself back into playing shape. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said team trainer Gary Briggs suggested only using him in short 6-7 minute spurts.

Sloan doesn't expect Kirilenko to be at 100 percent for a while, though.

"He's not in great shape," Sloan said. "You can't just show up and be in great shape after you've been in a boot and that sort of thing for a period of time, so it's just part of it."

Still, Kirilenko is at least a week ahead of the Jazz's original timetable for his return.

Boozer, meanwhile, added that he isn't getting discouraged about his delayed comeback.

"I'm still encouraged because I'm getting better," he said. "For me, I'm just going to continue to be positive about it and continue to get ready for it. It's getting a lot better, so hopefully very soon."

The Jazz will also welcome backup point guard Brevin Knight to the lineup for the 7 p.m. game against the Grizzlies. He missed the past two games with a left quadriceps contusion but is no longer listed on the injury report.

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