What’s up with the Sacramento Kings?
The Sacramento Kings have been sneaky good this season. Their level of goodness isn’t at the play-in tournament good, it’s legit playoff team good. Finally, after missing the playoffs for 17 straight years, the Kings are looking like they’re going to make it this year.
Sacramento lost three of its last five games, yet it still sits comfortably in sixth place, and in no way looks like a team that’s just riding on a hot streak. The Kings are steady, composed, and hungry–all the right ingredients for a shocker of a season.
There’s a different energy in Sactown. If they manage to keep their roster free from any injuries, they’re a team you wouldn’t want to draw in the first round of the playoffs. The upset beam is pointing upwards.
What’s up with the Utah Jazz?
The Utah Jazz are currently slipping. They’ve lost four straight games and have completely lost all the momentum they had at the start of the season. They have a win-loss record of 19-20, not at all far from Sacramento’s 19-16 record. Two of their recent losses came from heartbreaking game-winners from Tyler Herro versus the Heat and Kevin Huerter versus the Kings.
Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson have been providing the Jazz with much-needed scoring, but the other pieces haven’t been clicking lately, particularly on the defensive end. Their rookie Walker Kessler has been a bright spot and has contributed well as a Jazz big man. If he can only play with more consistency, Kessler will be a dangerous weapon for Utah for years to come.
Storyline to watch out for
The rematch came early. In their last meeting just days ago, the Kings won by a point via a Huerter 3. The Jazz defended De’Aaron Fox good enough for him to miss two potential game-winners but the loose ball somehow always ended up in Sacramento’s hands. Playing composed as they’ve been the whole season, the ball went to the open Huerter for the 3.
A big 36-point game from Markkanen wasn’t enough to get Utah the win. It will be interesting to see how Utah will bounce back at home from that recent loss.
Prediction
If you predicted a Markkanen buzzer-beating 3 to win the game, that wouldn’t be too far-fetched. These two teams are evenly matched and we’re up for an exciting, toe-to-toe game between two Western Conference teams hungry to get up the standings.
Should the game go down the wire, both teams have the resources to come up with big plays in big moments. Expect a fun one.
Where to watch
The Kings and the Jazz go at it again tomorrow at 10:00 AM on NBA League Pass.
