Bell's status uncertain as Jazz prepare for Kings

The Salt Lake Tribune

Published: March 5, 2012 10:30AM
Updated: February 27, 2012 02:36PM

Despite a five-day break for All-Star Weekend, Utah Jazz shooting guard Raja Bell continues to struggle with a strained adductor muscle and his status for Tuesday night's game at Sacramento is uncertain.

The Jazz officially listed Bell's status as a "game-time decision" prior to practice on Monday afternoon.

Before being injured, Bell was enjoying his best run of the season. He had scored at least 10 points and made 14 of 24 three-point shots in a six-game stretch.

Veteran Josh Howard replaced Bell in the starting lineup in losses to San Antonio and Minnesota and played well. Howard finished with 12 points and seven rebounds in 29 minutes against the Spurs. He had a season-high 19 points and six rebounds in 32 minutes against the Timberwolves.

Even if Bell is ready to play, there's a chance coach Tyrone Corbin will start Howard in his place. Another option would be starting Howard and Bell and bringing Gordon Hayward off the bench.

"We'll look at some things in the next day or so," Corbin said. "We had a couple of guys hurt going into the break. We'll make sure everybody is healthy and then we'll make an adjustment and see how it helps us."

The Jazz have lost eight of their last 10 games.

-- Steve Luhm