Utah Jazz: Boozer practices, still won't play vs. Hornets

Carlos Boozer returned to practice with the Jazz this morning. But the team still is calling its veteran power forward "out" for Saturday night's game against the New Orleans Hornets, a Jazz spokesman said.

Today marked Boozer's first attempt to go through a full-fledged practice since he underwent arthroscopic surgery on Jan. 9 to remove loose "particles" from his left knee. But he said today he'll need two complete workouts with teammates before he's good to go.

"Two practices is what we agreed on (Thursday)," Boozer said. "So today, another day. And then from there."

The Jazz's next outing after Saturday comes Monday night vs. Atlanta, the last in a five-game homestand.

Boozer, a two-time NBA All-Star and two-time United States Olympian, has been out for 43 straight games after originally straining his left quadriceps muscle three-plus months ago.

The Jazz have won three straight after beating Boston late Thursday night.

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