Russian forward Andrei Kirilenko will miss Utah's NBA game on Tuesday at Phoenix because of a sprained right ankle that also has him double for a Wednesday home matchup against Golden State.

Kirilenko is averaging 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists a game for the Jazz. He suffered the injury in a 95-83 home loss last Friday to Phoenix in the first game for new Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin.

After Wednesday, Kirilenko would have a week to rest the injury because of the NBA All-Star Game break.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, who had been the longest-tenured coach in American sports, retired last Friday after 23 seasons in the job.

The Jazz could also be without guard Raja Bell, who has a calf strain, and Ronnie Price, who has a toe sprain.

At 31-24, the Jazz share second in the Northwest Division with Denver, four games behind pace setter Oklahoma City, and share sixth overall in the Western Conference.

AFP

(China Daily 02/16/2011 page22)