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Shorthanded Jazz look to continue dominance over Bucks

Dec 23, 2008 - 11:14 AM Utah (17-12) at Milwaukee (13-16), 8:00pm EST

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- The Utah Jazz may not have their full lineup on the floor, but they do have the Milwaukee Bucks in their back pocket.

The shorthanded Jazz look to extend their winning streak over the Bucks to nine games Tuesday as they continue their five-game, Eastern Conference road trip with a trek to snowy Milwaukee.

Utah is still without All-Star forward Carlos Boozer, who has missed 17 games in a row with a nagging bone bruise that will require examination from a specialist next week. The reigning Northwest Division champs, who have had an up-and-down, injury-riddled season, will have to continue to make do with Paul Millsap in Boozer's place - which, as it turns out, is not a bad contingency plan.

The third-year forward - a second-round pick out of Louisiana Tech in 2006 - has recorded 15 consecutive double-doubles. During that span, he is averaging 19.2 points and 11.7 boards. The Jazz have also been spurred on by the return to health of star point guard Deron Williams, who has been hobbled by a sprained left ankle all season but has finally begun to resemble his old self.

The fourth-year guard has yet to lose to the Bucks in his career, averaging 20.2 points and 10.0 assists in six career meetings. The Jazz haven't lost to Milwaukee since January 8, 2005. They even survived Michael Redd's 57-point outburst two seasons ago.

This year's Bucks have won four out of five, including Saturday's 119-85 blowout over the Los Angeles Clippers. Richard Jefferson led eight players in double figures with 22 points in a winning effort.