The Jazz are finally close to being whole: Carlos Boozer, who's missed the last 44 games after injuring his left knee in November, is expected to make his long-awaited return Monday night. He's technically still considered a game-time decision, but he confirmed in an interview with KFAN 1320 in Salt Lake City that tonight is the night. "I expect to start," Boozer said. "I think I'm going to be limited for the first couple games just to break back into it and be careful. I'll probably play about 12 to 15 minutes tonight and build up as the season goes along."
His return should push Paul Millsap, who started 36 games in Boozer's absence, back to the bench. While Millsap has been remarkably solid as a starter, he could stand a break -- he's played through a bruised right knee and strained left knee, which is one reason why he's averaged just 10.8 points and 8.0 boards thus far in February, down from 14.6 points and 9.2 boards on the year.
Boozer doesn't foresee any problem with playing on consecutive nights but admitted it'll probably take him a couple of weeks until he's completely back. "I'm not 100% right now but I'm right there, I'm probably 90%," he said. "But the thing about it is, some stuff you just have to play through. And it'll get stronger as you play.
"The only way I can get my wind back and get my legs under me is playing in games. You can run on the treadmill all day, eat salads all day, but when you come back, it's different. There's playing shape and there's great shape, and I'm in great shape ... and I got to get back to my playing shape."
Jazz fans will likely want to listen to the entire interview, as Boozer also spoke at length about the passing of Jazz owner Larry Miller and the impact Miller had on the team.
