Carlos

Arroyo

Raul Lopez won’t be ready for the season opener, so the Jazz don’t know who they’ll be playing at point guard. They could sign Howard Eisley or Doug Overton.

If Raul Lopez were healthy, Arroyo might be on the bench. But Sloan may have no choice but to play him. Lopez is listed as questionable with a groin injury.

All three are major cogs for a Jazz team that looks like one of the best in the West.

Lopez played 22 minutes, during which Utah outscored Toronto 43-32, an 11-point gain. Carlos Arroyo relieved Lopez and played 26 minutes when the Jazz were outscored 66-43, a 23-point deficit. Three days earlier, it was a similar story in New York: Plus-seven when Lopez played, minus-eight with Arroyo. Coach Jerry Sloan isn’t blaming Arroyo for the team’s poor play, but has got to go with the hot hand.

“That’s not my intention,” he said. “I signed to be here for four years with the intention to play a lot of minutes and be here.” We haven’t heard the last of this odd situation.

His status against Phoenix will be determined at gametime.

The injury is being called a severe sprain. Arroyo’s foot was placed in a protective boot and he did not practice Sunday as a precaution. He’s listed as a gametime decision tonight, though it’s hard to see him playing.

Arroyo — who has missed eight straight games — plans to practice this morning. He may be able to return as soon as Friday.

Arroyo continues to improve, but will not travel with the team to Los Angeles, and is doubtful for Monday. Leave him benched another week.

Arroyo is expected to remain Utah’s starting point guard. Because of the improved talent around of him, he should have plenty of fantasy value.