Deron Williams, the Utah Jazz’s best player, is not expected to play tonight against the Boston Celtics.
The point guard missed the team’s shootaround Wednesday morning because of a strained back. Backup point guard Ronnie Price is officially ruled out because of a sprained left big toe.
“That’s why I might play,” Williams told the Salt Lake Tribune. The paper asked if he would play tonight if he feels the same after seeing a chiropractor this afternoon Williams said, “No, probably not.”
The Jazz are 12-point dogs tonight at Boston with the total set at 189.
Williams hasn’t missed a game this season, but Utah went 9-5 straight up and 7-7 against the spread without him last year.
Bettors should be cautious about the injury news. Last night Gilbert Arenas and Vince Carter were both expected to sit out but both All-Stars ended up playing.
If Williams doesn’t play expect the point guard duties to be handed over to Eric Maynor, with shooting guards Wesley Matthews and Ronnie Brewer helping out if needed. Matthews and Maynor are both first year players.