Although both Andrei Kirilenko and Carlos Boozer will travel to Sacramento, Calif., neither is expected to play in Tuesday's game against the Kings, leaving the Jazz even more short-handed as they open a stretch of four games in five nights.

Kirilenko left Saturday's loss to New Jersey in the second quarter complaining of weakness in his right ankle. He received a cortisone shot and said Monday that the ankle still felt sore. He is doubtful to play Tuesday but possibly could Wednesday.

"Right now it's still way sore," said Kirilenko, who is suffering from a point of irritation in the ankle. "It feels like something in it, like a piece of rock or something like throbbing from inside.

Like a couple days ago, it was slight pain. Right now, it is bad."

Boozer, meanwhile, was set to see increased activity at practice but is also doubtful to play against Sacramento. Boozer has missed six games since suffering a strained left quadriceps tendon on Nov. 19.

Deron Williams acknowledged the challenge facing the Jazz, who might have to play without two of their leading players at the same time he is still only three games into his return from a sprained left ankle.

"You can't feel sorry for yourself. We've got to go out and play," Williams said. "We've had some winnable ballgames, but we just haven't played well. We've just got to get everybody's confidence up and go out and put together a couple of good games."

Williams said he was planning on playing in all four games, even though they come in two sets of back-to-backs. He had been hesitant about playing in back-to-backs so soon after returning.

"It's getting stronger. I mean, it feels good today," Williams said. "I think a lot of it with me was mental. I've got to try to get over that mental factor."

Matt Harpring, meanwhile, went for an MRI exam Sunday that showed he is suffering from a slightly bulging disk. He missed practice Monday to have an epidural injection and did not make the trip to Sacramento. The Jazz are listing him as doubtful for Wednesday.

Ronnie Price missed practice to attend his uncle's funeral and was set to meet up with the team in Sacramento. The Jazz also are likely to get back Brevin Knight from a finger injury Tuesday. Knight went through practice Monday.

rsiler@sltrib.com