SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Center Al Jefferson and reserve power forward Derrick Favors have been ruled out of Utah’s game against Toronto on Friday night because of injuries.
Second-year pro Enes Kanter will make his first career start in place of Jefferson.
Jefferson was coming off a 31-point, 15-rebound game against Orlando on Wednesday but couldn’t finish because of back spasms. He vowed to be ready for the Raptors but coach Tyrone Corbin said it was best that Jefferson and Favors sit. This will be the fourth straight game Favors has missed because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
Jefferson leads Utah in scoring (17.4 points) and rebounding (10.7) and Favors is the team’s leader in blocked shots.
