Jazz center Rudy Gobert out indefinitely with knee injury

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert is out indefinitely after suffering a knee injury during practice Wednesday.

The team announced he was diagnosed with an MCL sprain in his left knee, but no surgery is required.

The 7-foot-1, 245-pound Gobert is the centerpiece of the No. 3 defense in the NBA. Gobert is tied with Serge Ibaka for No. 4 in the league with 2.6 blocks per game. He also averages 9.2 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.

Gobert was considered one of the most improved players in the league last year. The Jazz believe he can grow into a franchise-type player.

Derrick Favors could slide back to center from power forward in the starting lineup. Forwards Trevor Booker and Trey Lyles and center Jeff Withey are the rotational bigs off the bench.