Ostertag Could Play Soon

Greg Ostertag, the Jazz’s rookie center who has been on the injured list since breaking a bone in his right hand on Nov. 20 against New Jersey, is scheduled to have the injured hand X-rayed Tuesday.

If cleared to begin practice, Ostertag would like to return Thursday night against Minnesota or Saturday night against the L.A. Lakers.

In the wake of a USA Today story that discussed his contract situation, the Jazz’s Karl Malone wants to make one thing perfectly clear.

He does not want a four-year contract extension. He would like a new four-year contract that kicks in next season. Such a deal would take him through the 1999-2000 season and, in all probability, up to retirement at the age of almost 37.