Alec Burks (ankle) is expected to return to action Friday against the Clippers, Jody Genessy of the Deseret News reports.

Burks (ankle) is expected to play Friday against the Clippers, Jody Genessy of the Deseret News reports.

Analysis:

Burks last played on Dec. 26 against the Clippers, but after taking part in recent practices for the Jazz, he looks on tap to return from a 49-game absence. Due to his lengthy time on the sideline, Burks likely won't take on a heavy workload right away, but he'll still cut into the court time of Rodney Hood and Joe Ingles nonetheless. The Jazz are just hopeful to have Burks back at full strength in the event the team qualifies for the postseason.