Boozer had been expected to return in one of the Jazz's three games this week. Now, the only hope for the All-Star forward to play before the team's annual pre-Christmas trip is Saturday against Orlando.

Tonight's game will be the 12th Boozer has missed in the three weeks since suffering the quadriceps tendon strain Nov. 19. Deron Williams sat out 13 games with the sprained left ankle he suffered in the preseason. The likelihood of Boozer playing decreased when the Jazz canceled practice Wednesday. It is expected that Boozer will have to take part in at least one full practice before making his return.

Without Boozer, the Jazz will be at less than full strength when they host the Trail Blazers in a key Northwest Division game. The Jazz are 4-0 in the division, but the Blazers have won eight road games this season, tied for most in the NBA.

Crowd control

With the Timberwolves struggling to draw at Target Center after opening the season 4-15, Jerry Sloan's 20th anniversary game Tuesday was attended by fewer people than his first game as Jazz coach on Dec. 9, 1988.

The Jazz drew 12,444 to the Salt Palace for Sloan's first game, a loss to Dallas, while Tuesday's game in Minnesota drew an announced 10,745, with an almost entirely empty upper deck.

On the rebound

Sloan again was critical of C.J. Miles' rebounding in Tuesday's game. Miles didn't grab a rebound and played only 16 minutes. He came out with 7:03 left in the third quarter after picking up his fourth foul and did not return.

"Our young guys have got to provide energy for us," Sloan said. "It's just as simple as that. You've got to do something. C.J., he played, didn't have any rebounds again. These guys have got to get out and do something, otherwise I'm put in a tough spot."

rsiler@sltrib.com