Alex Hunter breaks down his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Kings and Jazz.
The Kings are hosting the Jazz on Sunday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Sacramento is favored by 3.5 points and this game carries a total of 232.5 points.
Let’s dive into my preview and pick.
Kings vs. Jazz Preview
The Kings and Jazz are the two worst teams in the Western Conference by record and Sunday’s meeting will be the fourth and final matchup of the season between the two clubs. Utah is 2-1 in this season series, but Lauri Markkanen played in all those games for the Jazz, which will not be the case tonight. Not only will Markkanen (hip) be out, but Keyonte George (hamstring), Ace Bailey (concussion) and Kyle Filipowski (rest) will be inactive as well, leaving Utah very shorthanded.
The team will likely only have nine healthy players and run out a very underwhelming starting five of Isaiah Collier, Elijah Harkless, Cody Williams, Brice Sensabaugh and Oscar Tshiebwe. Collier and Sensabaugh will likely lead the way and produce strong numbers, but it’s not going to be pretty for this Jazz team. Utah, however, has been in full-on tank mode for quite some time and definitely plans on losing this game, regardless of the Kings not being a scary opponent.
Since the All-Star break, the Jazz are 2-9 and rank 25th in net rating. Sacramento only ranks one spot better in net rating, but the Kings are a superior 5-7 during this time, including three wins in their last four. These victories have come against the Bulls, Pacers and last, but not least, the Clippers just last night. Even though this game was in Los Angeles, Sacramento prevailed 118-109.
The Clippers lost Kawhi Leonard to an ankle sprain in the second half, but he was still able to pour in 31 points in 25 minutes and Los Angeles had won seven of its previous eight before this, so this was one of the better wins of the season for the Kings.
DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud all scored at least 23 points, Daeqwon Plowden added 15 points off the bench and Russell Westbrook notched a triple-double for Sacramento. The team has yet to release its injury report, but with tonight being the Kings’ second game in two nights, Westbrook or DeRozan could rest. Still, Achiuwa, Raynaud and Plowden should be in action and Sacramento will be at home, giving the Kings the edge over the understaffed Jazz.
Kings vs. Jazz Pick, Best Bet
Despite playing last night, the Kings should win this game. Sacramento has been much better at home and when competing as a home favorite, the Kings are 4-2 SU this season.
Sacramento has covered in four straight games and the Kings -3.5 is a strong play.