The Jazz are ready for the first of three extended breaks they will get over the next two months.

With no games scheduled until Friday night, they get five days off to rest up, ring in the New Year and, in Bryon Russell"s case, celebrate a birthday on New Year"s eve.

Coach Jerry Sloan plans to give his team a 3 1/2 day break, with no practice scheduled until Wednesday evening.

The layoff could hurt the momentum of a team riding a four-game winning streak and above .500 for the first time all season, but Karl Malone insists they are ready for some time off.

""I welcome five days off," Malone said. ""It could be 10 right now. I need a break from it, and I"m sure they need a break from me as well."