Williams, Harpring out for Jazz opener

Oct 28, 2008 - 10:37 PM SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) -- Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams and reserve forward Matt Harpring will both miss the team's season opener against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday due to ankle injuries, the team announced Tuesday.

Williams suffered a second-degree inversion sprain of his left ankle in an exhibition game against the Chicago Bulls on October 18. At the time of the injury, the Jazz announced Williams would require "a minimum of two weeks" recovery.

One of the league's top point guards, Williams averaged 18.8 points and 10.5 assists while playing in all 82 games last season.

Williams also is doubtful for Saturday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harpring has been slow to recover from a right ankle injury.

A top reserve for the Jazz, Harpring has missed the entire preseason due to the injury. Last season, the 32-year-old appeared in 76 games, averaging 8.2 points and 3.2 rebounds.

While both Williams and Harpring are sidelined, the Jazz will have the services of center Jarron Collins, who is suffering from a lingering right elbow injury.