Utah Jazz center Greg Ostertag headed to Dallas on Tuesday to get a second medical opinion on his right knee, which has become increasingly bothersome. Ostertag is expected back on Wednesday, but will not dress for the Jazz's game with the Portland Trail Blazers.

After an MRI showed no damage to the ligaments in his knee, Ostertag started Monday's 92-78 victory over the Pistons, but left after just two minutes because of the soreness.

The Jazz believe Ostertag's recent pain is little more than the effects of 10 NBA seasons, and will have to be managed day by day, but there is some concern that trying to play with the soreness is making the problem worse.

"The pain he had last night actually was different from the pain he had 'Saturday"," said Jazz trainer Gary Briggs. "That could be the result of having to run a little different because of how it feels."

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said Ostertag's absence, even if it's a short one, makes life more difficult for his team, which is short on interior defenders. "You might say you'd like to get help, but what could you get?" Sloan said, pointing out the leaguewide shortage of quality centers. "And we've got 15 guys already. ... Jarron 'Collins" has been playing very well lately, so we would just hope that will continue until Greg can play."