Empty the Bench

FG% specialist Carlos Boozer returned from the hairline fracture in his right leg on Friday for the Jazz’s 114-104 win over the Denver Nuggets. He played just 12 minutes and scored only 10 points (5-8 FGs), but it’s only a matter of time before he’s back to his old self. The Jazz will ease him along, but within a week we expect to see him playing 30+ minutes, approaching his 35 minutes per game average. Despite the limited playing time, Boozer was a starter for the Jazz in Friday’s game.

Boozer also started Saturday versus the Boston Celtics and posted 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (6-11 FGs, 4-5 FTs) in 23 minutes. Mehmet Okur has missed the last two games with back spasms, and Andrei Kirilenko sat our Saturday as well, so Carlos should be pressed into full duty sooner rather than later (Giving minutes to Rafael Araujo being the alternative).

All fantasy owners should feel comfortable inserting Boozer into their starting lineups going forward. He originally had the fracture diagnosed on January 27th and was expected to miss four to eight weeks, but has returned far ahead of schedule, a pleasant surprise for those who rely on his steady production. It’s certainly a relief to have Carlos and his 56.9% FGs, 21.8 points, 11.6 boards and 3 assists back in the fantasy lineup.

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