The Utah Jazz enter today’s match-up with the Sacramento Kings following a blowout loss at the hands of the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday evening. The Jazz, who trailed by as many as 37, saw a four-game winning streak come to an end and marked just their second defeat in 10 contests. Boasting the NBA’s best defense, the Jazz are holding opponents to an average of 95 points per outing while having the League’s second-slowest pace.
In the last meeting between the Kings and Jazz, Sactown trailed by just two heading into the fourth quarter. The Kings forced 19 turnovers for 36 points at the time. But unfortunately, they tallied just eight points in the ensuing period, turning a back and forth affair into a blowout in the final frame.
Utah is led by small forward Gordon Hayward, who averages nearly 22 points per game. Center Rudy Gobert anchors the Jazz’s frontline, grabbing 12 rebounds and swatting nearly three shots per contest.
With both teams on the tail end of a back-to-back, the Kings are rolling in with momentum. Last night, they secured a conference win over Portland after a fourth quarter comeback at Golden 1 Center. Scoring just 16 points on 7-of-22 versus Utah earlier this month, DeMarcus Cousins will be looking to build off his 55-point performance against the Blazers.
Due to injury, Sactown may be without starter Rudy Gay for a fourth-consecutive contest. Gay led the team in scoring in the teams’ last meeting and hit a game-winning jumper last season at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Key Matchup
Gobert had one of the best games of his career just 11 days ago versus Sactown. He finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. Limiting Gobert’s productivity while taking advantage of Boogie’s scoring prowess will be key for the team to net a win in Salt Lake City.
Did You Know?
Hall of Famer John Stockton played the final game of his career on Apr. 30, 2003 against the Sacramento Kings.
Broadcast Information
The game will be streamed online at Comcast SportsNet California. Fans can also tune into the action on NBA TV, Sports 1140 KHTK Radio and the Sacramento Kings + Golden 1 Center App. Follow Kings.com with live updates and postgame content on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.
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