Stockton Back Tonight; Benoit Out for Series

Utah guard John Stockton is expected back in the starting lineup tonight after missing the second half and overtime of the Trail Blazers’ 127-121 victory in Game 5 because of an eye injury.

Stockton was inadvertently scratched in his left eye by Portland’s Clyde Drexler on the final play of the first half. Stockton wore a patch while flying home late Tuesday night but was cleared to play after being re-examined Wednesday.

Dr. Russell Shields said Stockton is “100% better” and that he should have “essentially normal vision by (Thursday) evening and no pain.”

Stockton attended practice Wednesday but did not take part.

The Jazz also learned Wednesday that David Benoit, the starting small forward since the second-round series against Seattle, will probably miss the rest of the series after the death of his father. The funeral is Saturday, the day of Game 7 if needed, so Benoit is not expected back even if the series goes the distance.

Blue Edwards, the starter during the regular season, was in the opening lineup for Game 5 in Portland and had eight points on three-of-10 shooting in 22 minutes.