Sources: Jazz center Rudy Gobert to miss a month with left knee injury

Shams Charania

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has been diagnosed with a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and a bone bruise in his left tibia, and is expected to be sidelined for approximately one month, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Gobert suffered the injury in the opening minutes of the Jazz’s road win in Boston on Friday night, when teammate Derrick Favors fell onto his left leg. Gobert underwent an MRI on Saturday that revealed the injuries.

Rudy Gobert lies on the court after being injured in the first quarter against Boston on Friday night. (AP)
Rudy Gobert lies on the court after being injured in the first quarter against Boston on Friday night. (AP)

Gobert missed 11 games earlier this season after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee on Nov. 10, but the 7-foot-1 Frenchman returned earlier than expected from the injury. He has established himself as the face of the franchise and one of the best defensive centers in the league, averaging 11.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 18 games this season.

Utah is in postseason contention at 14-15 this season. Favors averaged 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks in 11 games replacing Gobert at center. The Jazz visit the Central Division-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.

Gobert had his best season a year ago, making the NBA All-Defensive first team and becoming a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert, 25, is in his fifth season with the Jazz.

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