The Kings lost 110-101 to the Jazz in their first matchup
The Sacramento Kings will close out a four-game road trip tonight in Utah with a tough matchup against the 5-1 Jazz.
The two teams first met this Oct. 22 in Sacramento’s home opener, a game the Jazz won 110-101. The Kings were competitive throughout much of the contest before ultimately collapsing in the final minutes. In the first matchup, the game was tied at 95 with less than four minutes left, and the Jazz proceeded to dominate the final minutes.
Another big advantage for Utah in that game and most nights is their proficiency from three, shooting 16 for 42. The Jazz have several dead-eye shooters the Kings will have to account for and average the second-most threes attempted per game in the NBA.
The Jazz are tied for the second-best record in the league at this point and are coming off an impressive 107-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Halloween night.
Utah has been a really bad matchup for the Kings in the past as they blew them out three times last season and have long been one of the best regular-season teams in the NBA.
The Kings haven’t been blown out this season, but given the matchup, tonight’s game definitely has blowout potential.
The Kings have a much more winnable game tomorrow night at home against the Pelicans, so if the Jazz gets off to a commanding lead, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Luke Walton try to limit starters’ minutes.
Whatever happens, tonight will prove a lot about the Kings in terms of how they stack up against the class of the Western Conference.
How to Watch/ Listen: NBC Sports California, Sports 1140 KHTK
Opposing Perspective: SLC Dunk
Spread: Jazz -9
Moneyline: Kings +310, Jazz -410
SAC injuries: None
UTA injuries: Rudy Gay (foot)