The Jazz players and coaches Sunday still were considering the logistics associated with owner Larry Miller 's funeral, which will be held Saturday at noon at EnergySolutions Arena, seven hours before a game against Sacramento.
If he does hold a pregame shootaround, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan will do so at the team's practice facility. Sloan and his assistants are expected to attend Miller's service, but Sloan suggested it would be optional for the players.
The Jazz also have to fly out immediately after Saturday's game to play the second game of a back-to-back set Sunday at Golden State. Sloan said he was planning to discuss with his players how they wanted to handle things.
"Everybody has their little [gameday] routine, but sometimes that routine gets broken," Sloan said.
A viewing for Miller will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at EnergySolutions Arena. Interment will follow the funeral at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, located at 200 N Street.
There was no word, meanwhile, Sunday from the NBA about whether commissioner David Stern would attend Miller's funeral.
Developing situation
With Carlos Boozer expected to return tonight, the Jazz would have all 15 players on their roster healthy for the first time this season. That could leave Kyrylo Fesenko , Morris Almond and Kosta Koufos all designated for the inactive list.
Sloan said he would consider sending all three players to the NBA Development League's Utah Flash, though the Jazz could only send two of them at any one time. The Flash next play Friday and Saturday at Idaho.
"These young guys have got to try to improve," Sloan said. "They can't improve sitting on the bench all the time and our practices are kind of ... they're not really tough practices right now."
rsiler@sltrib.com" Target="_BLANK">rsiler@sltrib.com
At EnergySolutions Arena
Time » 7 p.m.
TV/Radio » FSN Utah, 1320 AM, 98.7 FM
Records » Jazz 33-23, Atlanta 32-23
Last meeting » Jazz won 100-94 (Feb. 23, 2008)
Line » Jazz by 7
About the Jazz » With a victory tonight, the Jazz would win their fifth consecutive game, matching their longest winning streak of the season. The Jazz opened the season 5-0. They also would complete a perfect 4-0 homestand coming back from the All-Star break. The Hawks are the last NBA team the Jazz have yet to face this season.
About the Hawks » Atlanta already has won 13 road games this season, one more than its entire total from the 2007-08 season. The Hawks' 31-21 record at the All-Star break was their best since 1996-97. Hawks forward Josh Smith was a high-school teammate of Jazz guard Morris Almond, who is expected to spend a fourth consecutive game on the inactive list.
