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The Salt Lake Tribune, on Sunday night, reported that shooting guard Alec Burks was expected to make his season debut on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets.

On Monday morning, the Utah Jazz confirmed that report.

With that, the Jazz finally get one of their vital bench pieces back. Even if it took a year since Burks was injured against the Los Angeles Clippers, his return doesn't seem a moment too soon.

"I'm just very excited to be back," Burks said. "I'm healthy. I'm almost 100 percent. I'm ready to go."

Burks, since that horrific fall at the hands of a Paul Pierce foul, has dealt with ankle and lower leg issues. He returned briefly at the end of last season, but he clearly wasn't close to being himself, the high-flying and athletic guard that complements the skill of Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood on the wings.

Head coach Quin Snyder said Burks will be on a heavy minutes restriction, and may not even reach 10 minutes tonight against the Nets. But Burks is available, and will see action, Snyder said.

"He hasn't played essentially in a year," Snyder said. "So we shouldn't expect too much."

The Jazz could've given Burks an assignment with the Salt Lake Stars in the D-League, but chose against that. Burks is expected to fill the void at backup shooting guard. He gives the Jazz an explosive presence off the dribble they don't have. And Burks' ability to get to the free-throw line is rivaled on the team only by Hayward.

With the Jazz getting almost all the way healthy, minutes could be squeezed a bit. But that could be a good problem for Snyder to deal with, as he's been short of bodies for so long much of the season.

Utah enters tonight with a 21-13 record. The Jazz are on a three game winning streak, and are holding on to the fourth spot in the Western Conference by percentage points.

Mack expected to start in place of Hill

Point guard George Hill won't play tonight against the Nets, after taking that nasty elbow from Phoenix Suns center Alex Len.

Hill is officially in concussion protocol, and as mandated by the NBA can't play until he is symptom free. The bigger problem, however, could be the 22 stitches on the inside of his mouth, as Lens elbow forced Hill's tooth through his lip.

Without Hill, Shelvin Mack is expected to get the start at point guard tonight. Hill's situation isn't deemed to be a long-term issue. He's with the team, and the feeling inside the organization is that Hill will return to action at some point during the five game trip.

Twitter: @tribjazz