This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

>Denver — Jazz guard Deron Williams said that he will play tonight against the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. He has missed Utah's past four games due to a strained tendon in his right wrist.

Williams went through a morning shootaround and appeared to have more flexiblity in his wrist, alternating hook shots with jumpers.

His minutes will not be limited versus the Nuggets, and his wrist has felt better since he started wearing a soft cast.

Asked if a Northwest Division contest against Denver factored into his decision to take the court, Williams said it was more simple: He will always take the court if he is healthy enough to play.

Jazz forward Andrei Kirelenko will miss his second straight game with a sprained ankle and is day-to-day. Rookie forward Gordon Hayward will start in his place.

Utah Center Memo Okur will miss his fifth consecutive game due to a a lower back strain. He is listed as doubtful for Saturday's home game against Oklahoma City.

— Brian T. Smith

Twitter: tribjazz