The Jazz will be shorthanded once again on Friday night against the Clippers in Game 3, as potential All-NBA center Rudy Gobert, who injured his knee in Game 1 of the series, will miss his second consecutive game according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Gobert hyperextended his knee just 11 seconds into Utah's win in the series opener and has not yet returned to the floor in the series. While the MRI revealed no structural damage, it's clear the Jazz are being cautious about easing Gobert -- who averaged 14 points and 12.8 rebounds per game -- back into the mix. Healing an injured knee will take time, as the Tribune reported earlier this week before Game 2.
Gobert's status going forward will be determined game by game, The Tribune has learned. The Jazz big man is walking without crutches, which is encouraging. At the same time, healing the knee is expected to take some time.
Derrick Favors, who scored 28 points and logged 65 minutes in both Games 2 and 3, is expected to once again earn the lion's share of playing time in Gobert's absence.
With a 1-1 series tie, the Jazz own home court advantage for the next two games and welcome the Clippers into Salt Lake City on Friday night at 10:00 p.m. ET.
