Posted Jan 30 2012 8:47PM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- 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.
 | Duncan's Dish Tim Duncan finds Kawhi Leonard under the basket for the hoop and the harm. |
 | Griffin Posterizes Duncan Blake Griffin goes up and over Tim Duncan for the slam. |
 | Clippers' Charge Blake Griffin buries the jumper, Caron Butler steals the inbounds pass and dishes to Mo Williams for the 3-pointer. |
 | Spurs vs. Clippers: First half Blake Griffin leads all scorers with 20 points as the Clippers are up by ten at the half. |
 | Griffin Power Move Blake Griffin dominates in the paint. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
