It's back-to-back, so we want just be careful with it, make sure it don't become a problem going into the season. – Jazz guard Mo Williams
ANAHEIM, Calif. — It's preseason, which for Mo Williams means it's about that time of year for a certain aggravating injury to resurface.
The Utah Jazz were without their starting point guard for Tuesday's exhibition rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a nagging strained right adductor muscle.
Williams has been forced to deal with the groin injury off and on this preseason, and it flared up again during Monday's practice in El Segundo, Calif.
Backup veteran Jamaal Tinsley filled in for the 29-year-old guard in the game played at the Honda Center. Williams hopes to return to action against his old team, the Los Angeles Clippers, tonight at Staples Center.
"It's back-to-back, so we want just be careful with it, make sure it don't become a problem going into the season," Williams said after Tuesday's shootaround session. "I should be ready by (Wednesday)."
With Williams and Earl Watson (knee rehab) both sidelined, Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin wanted to use Foye, a veteran combo guard, the most behind Tinsley.
"Alec (Burks) know the system more," Corbin said. "So … I'd like to see Randy do more of the point guard stuff right now to get him more comfortable with it."
Williams said he's been dealing with groin issues for years and has had to pay extra attention since undergoing hernia surgery in 2008. Treatment for the soft-tissue injury includes stretching and ice packs.
"It's an area I have to stay on top of every day," Williams said. "With all the running and practicing, it usually gives me problem during training camp. I usually break free of it during the season, because I'm able to get a lot more rest on it."
Williams dismissed the notion that he'd rather sit out against the Lakers so he could face his former team.
"I don't like sitting out at all," he said. "It's preseason. It's all about us. I love playing ... If it's the Lakers or Clippers, it doesn't matter. I'm 10 years into the league. I don't have vendettas against teams that I want to play."
LATE ARRIVAL: When they're on the road, the Jazz travel to arenas in two shifts. The early bus usually includes younger players and guys wanting to get extra work in. The second bus carries the veterans, Corbin and other personnel.
For about an hour Tuesday, some at the arena were starting to wonder if the Jazz would have to go without those on the second bus. It got caught up in the infamous L.A. traffic during its 42-mile commute to Anaheim.
Fortunately, Corbin, Al Jefferson, Marvin Williams and the rest of the later Jazz crew arrived just after 6 p.m. PDT. That was an hour late but gave them an hour to prep.
Corbin laughed about asking the bus driver whether or not he got lost, but the coach's biggest concern was having enough time for his players to warm up properly.
"Luckily, it's exhibition season," Corbin said. "We're not doing a full scouting report just yet, so it's not as rushed as it would be during the course of the regular season."
WORKOUTAHOLIC: While other players were a bit sweaty after shootaround, Jamaal Tinsley looked like he'd been drenched with a bucket of water. The extra perspiration wasn't because of his preseason start — or because reporters wanted to talk to him.
Tinsley, who often takes gameday jogs around road cities, did two hard miles on the StairMaster after the team workout.
"I just like working," he said. "I like sweating … just get a good feel. That's what I like doing."
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