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At this point, the Utah Jazz have to be concerned about Derrick Favors and his balky back. Even if the coaches and front office aren't saying so publicly.

Utah's star power forward missed his 12th consecutive game on Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings at Vivint Smart Home Arena. For most of his injury, Favors has been a game-time decision. He's gone through his normal pregame routine on many nights. On some game days, he's gone through shootarounds.

But on Thursday, Favors was declared out. He's still considered day-to-day. The back spasms are still considered a short-term injury. So nobody will panic. At least publicly.

"Like any injury, it's gotta run its course," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "It's being treated, and we're doing everything we can to get him back on the floor. But more than anything, we just want him healthy."

It's evident the Jazz are beginning to miss Favors more by the game. Against the Kings, All-Star forward DeMarcus Cousins proved unstoppable for the Utah big men in the first half. Sacramento, in taking a 56-45 lead into halftime, received 18 points and 13 rebounds from Cousins, who did pretty much whatever he wanted on both ends of the floor.

Even with Favors on the floor, Cousins is good enough to get his average against anyone. But with Favors on the floor, the damage could've been mitigated. Instead, Cousins had a field day against the likes of Trey Lyles and Trevor Booker.

Jazz officials still say Favors can come back at any game, and that he's feeling better with each passing day. If the past two games have proven anything, though, it's that the Jazz need Favors in the lineup. Scoring without him, recently, has come at a premium.

Continued improvement

Lyles, Utah's rookie forward maintained his upward trajectory against the Kings, scoring 10 points in the first half, which tied for the team lead with point guard Raul Neto. Lyles on Wednesday night scored a career-high 16 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.

"It definitely took me a little while at the beginning of the season to get a feel for things," Lyles said. "I feel more comfortable now. The coaches are putting me in good spots, and my teammates are finding me, so they get a lot of credit."

Cold shooting

The Jazz shot a season-low 16.7 percent from the field in the first quarter on Thursday night. Utah missed 24 of its 28 field-goal attempts. The Jazz also went 1-for-13 from 3-point range.

tjones@sltrib.com twitter: @tjonessltrib