"Call up God. Why don't you ask God?" Malone said while striding toward the parking lot.

	Malone

ESPN's David Aldridge reported Wednesday that Malone will miss the All-Star Game next weekend because of back and finger injuries.

Malone, who strained his back during training camp, has been playing with the injury all season. He aggravated the injury Tuesday night in Utah's 104-96 loss to the Seattle SuperSonics after falling over referee Phil Robinson while chasing a loose ball.

Malone has played with an injured middle finger on his shooting hand for years, which he reinjured last week at Portland. According to Aldridge, he will visit doctors in California and Arkansas during the All-Star break to receive treatment for the injuries.

"I think the rest would do him good," said Jazz trainer Mike Shimensky.

Malone's agent, Dwight Manley, said his client plans to play Utah's four remaining games before the All-Star break, starting Thursday against Milwaukee, but miss the Feb. 13 All-Star game in Oakland, Calif.

"He wants to take time off to heal his body during the All-Star break," Manley said by telephone from his Los Angeles office.

Malone typically is among the last players to leave the Jazz locker room, but he answers questions patiently. He was among the first to leave Thursday, whizzing past a barrage of reporters without saying a word.

Last week, Malone grumbled privately that he wouldn't play in Oakland unless he was named a starter in voting by fans. He wasn't; Malone and teammate John Stockton were chosen Monday by coaches as All-Star reserves.

Malone, who has played in 10 All-Star Games and is one of eight players to win at least two All-Star Game most valuable player awards.

If he doesn't show up in Oakland on Feb. 13, Malone could face a possible fine or suspension from the NBA.

A league spokesman didn't immediately return telephone messages.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said he didn't know if Malone is serious.

"I don't know if he's going to miss it or not," Sloan said. "He hasn't missed the All-Star game at this point. We're assuming something's going to happen before it happens."

However, Sloan said Malone should be excused if he feels there's a medical reason for taking a break.

"I don't have a problem with that," Sloan said. "A guy wants to take care of himself so he can get ready to play. Maybe the league should suspend guys who don't play because they have an ingrown hangnail."

It wasn't clear if Malone's decision would have an impact on whether Stockton, 37, will play in Oakland.

"No comment," Stockton said as he raced down a Delta Center tunnel. "I would rather talk about it after tonight's game."