SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert is out indefinitely after suffering a knee injury during practice Wednesday.

The team announced he was diagnosed with an MCL sprain in his left knee, but no surgery is required.

The 7-foot-1, 245-pound Gobert is the centerpiece of the No. 3 defence in the NBA. Gobert is tied with Serge Ibaka for No. 4 in the league with 2.6 blocks per game. He also averages 9.2 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.

Gobert was considered one of the most improved players in the league last year. The Jazz believe he can grow into a franchise-type player.

Derrick Favours could slide back to centre from power forward in the starting lineup. Forwards Trevor Booker and Trey Lyles and centre Jeff Withey are the rotational bigs off the bench.