Jefferson, Bell out for Jazz; Howard to start

By foxsports
Published

Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson and guard Raja Bell are sitting out against the Portland Trail Blazers because of injury.

Small forward Josh Howard, acquired as free agent after the NBA lockout ended, was set to make his first start Monday night for the Jazz.

Gordon Hayward moves from small forward to shooting guard in place of Bell, and second-year pro Derrick Favors starts in place of Jefferson. It is Favors' fifth start this season.

Jefferson, bothered by inflammation in his right ankle, leads the Jazz in scoring at 17.9 points per game and is second in rebounding with a 9.0 average.

Bell had started every game this season but strained his right adductor Saturday against Sacramento. He is averaging 5.9 points and 1.4 rebounds a game.

Howard has averaged 8.9 points and 2.9 rebounds off the bench.