Report: Rudy Gobert Won't Miss Extended Time with Calf Injury; Out for Jazz vs. Suns
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert reportedly won't miss an "extended period" after suffering a strained left calf during Sunday's 94-92 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported Gobert is out Monday against the Phoenix Suns, but that the strain is "considered mild."
The 29-year-old is a two-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA team member and three-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner. He's averaged 16 points, an NBA-high 15 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in his ninth season for the Jazz.
Gobert has been excellent on both ends this year, shooting a career-high 70.6 percent from the field and posting a 99 defensive rating, his best mark since 2017-18 per Basketball-Reference.
Unfortunately, the Jazz announced on Jan. 6 that the Frenchman entered the NBA's health-and-safety protocols. He missed his first game of the year the night before due to left shoulder inflammation. That matchup ended with Utah beating the host Denver Nuggets 115-109.
Gobert ended up returning on Jan. 16 against Denver after missing five games while in the health-and-safety protocols.
With Gobert out, the Jazz could give Udoka Azubuike an increased role. They also have the option to go smaller and play Eric Paschall down low as well.
