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Kings vs Jazz Preview: Make Your Own Kind of Music

Can the Kings finish their road trip with a win against a Jazz squad fighting for their play-in lives?
By | 43 Comments | Mar 20, 2023

The Sacramento Kings are in Utah today to wrap up a four game road-trip, and with a little luck and 48 minutes of well-played ball, could be headed home with a perfect 4-0 record on this trip. Yes, the Kings are still one of the hottest teams in the association. You can take their starting shooting guard out of the rotation, take their hot shooting 8th man to the side for a few games and it doesn’t matter… these boys are still very much coming for a W. The Jazz on the other hand, and still fighting for their play-in lives. Down Kings killer Jordan Clarkson and talented young point guard Collin Sexton already, Utah will also be missing breakout All-Star Lauri Markkanen, who is day-to-day with a back injury. Tied in win percentage with the 10th seeded Los Angeles Lakers, the Jazz still have 12 games to make up some ground. Can defensive phenom Walker Kessler steal the spotlight from newcomer and Kings sweetheart Kessler Edwards in the first official “Clash of the Kesslers”? With their top three scorers out, will Talen Horton-Tucker attempt to get himself a 40 point triple double? Does Rudy Gay know how much mileage he’s given us with “Basketball Hell” and if not, can one of you Kings fans in Utah let him know?

Let’s talk Kings basketball!

When: Monday, March 20th, 6:00 PM PT
Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140

For Your Consideration

Them Hardy Boys: I don’t think its a stretch to say that the surprise team of the West this season (outside of your Sacramento Kings) has been the Utah Jazz. They started hot, kept their head above water way, way longer than anyone expected and even now as they’ve sank into a spot closer to what people imagined, they continue to be that pest that wins game when it might just behoove them to lose them. They’re great. The personal tormentors of all remaining Los Angeles Lakers fans, the Jazz just won’t quit. Winners in three of their last four games, including a thrilling one point victory over the Boston Celtics, the Jazz do not care about tanking, do not care about the long term impact of anything. They’re scrapping, they’re fighting, they’re giving Danny Ainge an aneurysm.

Now, all that to say, I have no idea what the hell this Jazz team is going to look like tonight. With some trades and injuries throwing the roster into chaos post-All-Star Break, the Jazz have pretty much been surviving on Markkanen’s scoring, Walker Kessler’s rebounding and defensive prowess and then a mix of role players stepping up in big ways. Talen Horton-Tucker has been huge for them of late as their defacto point guard: 23 points and 8 assists against the Magic, 37 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds against the Hornets, 19 points, 5 assists, 7 rebounds in a win against Boston… Hell even in their loss to the Heat, the previous next-big-Lakers-draft-pick had 9 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds. The guy finally has his chance to go out there and play and he’s making the best of it.

Keep an eye on Walker Kessler too. The Timberwolves trade for Rudy Gobert has been beaten to death, resurrected and beaten to death again, and I’ve got a special affinity for those Wolves so I refuse to go in too hard on the guys… but good lord does Walker Kessler look like someone who would have fit the Wolves like a glove. No, he’s not Rudy Gobert, but his rebounding and defense are special and Jazz fans, if they were ever going to miss the Stifle Tower, have never needed to with the way Kessler has played this season. Just in his last 10 games, the dude has been averaging 11.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.6 blocks, while shooting 73.1% from the field and averaging 2.5 fouls during that stretch. He’s a legitimate piece going forward for the Jazz. How he fairs against the older, headier Sabonis is going to be my sneaky “here’s what I’m watching for tonight”.

The Kings are playing hot, they’re in the home stretch of a success road trip and coming off of a decently easy game against a floundering Wizards squad. The Jazz, while dangerous, are missing two, if not their three, top scorers. In years past, hell, in November of this season, I’d have said, keep an eye on this one as a trap game. I won’t say it, but I will say that I would have said it if this team wasn’t on an absolutely heater right now with a coach obsessed with the details – I have faith in Mike Brown to keep them away from the ol’ Kangz traps.

The clincher inches ever closer and my hairline inches further away.

Prediction

Keegan Murray goes off for 35, hitting six threes and bounding ever closer to that rookie three point record. De’Aaron Fox gets some staunch defense from THT early but breaks through in the second half. Kessler Edwards goes sky high for a dunk on Walker Kessler, gets denied but gets the ball back and pump fakes him into an And-1. We all agree it was a draw. The refs call a foul when a Jazz player hits Sabonis in the face – they issue an apology to Jazz fans later in the evening for the egregious error.

Kings: 124, Jazz: 109

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Kosta
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March 20, 2023 11:35 am

Utah, eh?

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Jman1949
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March 20, 2023 11:47 am

Both games with the Jazz wound up tight;
This one will be played at their site.
It’s a game we must take
With our seeding at stake;
That’s how it’s been night after night!

Klam
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March 20, 2023 11:52 am

Vivek’s second favorite team after the Warriors.
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RobHessing
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March 20, 2023 2:31 pm
Reply to  Klam

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NorCalKingsFan
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March 20, 2023 5:28 pm
Reply to  Klam

Vivek’s second favorite team after the Warriors.

I always that was the Kings

Klam
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March 20, 2023 11:56 am

Let’s get win number 44 tonight!
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UpgradedToQuestionable
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March 20, 2023 1:12 pm
Reply to  Klam

Met him at a basketball camp when I was a kid – incredibly warm and nice gentleman. R.I.P.

MichaelMack
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March 20, 2023 3:01 pm

That is good to hear, I had read that he was a classy person. He had a really interesting game too, superior defender and passer.

andy_sims
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March 20, 2023 12:14 pm

The key is to take the Jazz out of their rhythm with Fox’s unusual time signatures as he approaches the paint.

For TKH, I’m Dave Brubeck.

UpgradedToQuestionable
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March 20, 2023 12:50 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

Ahhh, with De’Aaron’s jersey number… Take Five!

And with the current trip which is away in miles, Davis should have another good game with Huerter still sidelined.

Kosta
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March 20, 2023 12:58 pm

Hurry, hurry. Take the L-Train!

RobHessing
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March 20, 2023 12:17 pm

When I look for the West teams that are primed to make a bit of jump next season, I find the Thunder and the Jazz. Both teams have been competitive most of the season, both teams are top ten in cap space next season, Utah likely has a pair of lottery picks this season, and the Thunder likely have one plus Chet Holmgren. Would love to see a future where the Kings, Thunder, Jazz, Griz and Nugs ride the top of the West while GS and the LA teams age out.

Adamsite
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March 20, 2023 12:49 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

They do have cap space, but I don’t see them as free agent destinations. I’d probably rank them below Sacramento in desirability, plus quality NBA talent may not want to go to a rebuilding team. What they do have are draft picks.

I still think OKC swings some of their future picks and young prospects for a legit star or two. I could see them making a run at someone like Brandon Ingram or Pascal Siakam with their cupboard full of assets to pair with SGA. They could definitely make a jump.

Utah is in a similar situation with 3 first rounders this year (and like you said 2 possible lottery picks). Maybe they flip them to move up? Maybe they too swing for a star.

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March 20, 2023 1:09 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Just my butt pulled guess –

With the success Danny Ainge and Will Hardy have had with this roster – an almost Billy Beane like climb in my mind – I think they are really enjoying highlighting the talent they have picked and pumped up. I almost see them trading one of their guards for something that could just as easily be more draft picks. The stars for Utah are not their draft picks (excepting Walker Kessler and Ochia Agbaji) – it’s the cast offs: The Finnisher (Markenann), Colin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson who are their leaders (and $46M of their salary)

And when it comes to draft pick surplus, that segues into Sam Presti. The draft pick embarrassment of riches has to produce less regular season embarrassment. It’s fun to be envious of all of the draft potential, but you still have to win you some games. Adding a second star to SGA should be a major uptick for them.

That points to Houston and a squad of fresh, hot talent. But they suck. I would go beyond surprised to shocked if HC Stephen Silas is still on their bench next season. It is an elementary take that Coach Daigneault and Coach Hardy are outperforming and Coach Silas is underperforming their talent. As an aside, the second worst team in the West Conf. is the Spurs. How do you rate their coach and their record? (The word that is touted is that this is Coach Pop’s final season. Sad but perhaps, the right move, I dunno).

Bluejohn
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March 20, 2023 5:25 pm

When fossilizedflatus says it’s a butt pulled guess…….I say look out!

Good take. Agree with your assessment. With the Rox record I’m surprised he hasn’t been fired already, they have talent but don’t seem to be coalescing into team making forward moves.

I’ve been to both OKC and SLC and I couldn’t find any reason to even consider of moving to either city.

My own take is that if the Kings end up in a decent playoff position and even better make it out of the first round I think that perspective players acquired in either Free Agency or trade are going to come in feeling like we are no longer a rebuilding team and no longer reside in Basketball Hell.

Gregoryl
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March 20, 2023 1:40 pm
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The angel on one shoulder wants the Kings to win every game. The devil on the other shoulder wants every team to win that could squeeze the Lakers out of the playoffs.

Kosta
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March 20, 2023 2:24 pm
Reply to  Gregoryl

I scoreboard watch mostly for L*kers losses.

Kosta
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March 20, 2023 12:45 pm

“Domantas” roughly translates to:

“I DOMINATE YO ASS”

I feel like I’ve just had a case of peja vu:

https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1637899311672377346?s=20

Last edited 1 year ago by Kosta
RobHessing
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March 20, 2023 1:22 pm
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Try doing it with one thumb, Jo-el!

Klam
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March 20, 2023 2:25 pm
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“All I need is my thumb and I’m good.”
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RobHessing
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March 20, 2023 2:33 pm
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Last edited 1 year ago by RobHessing
Want2win
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March 20, 2023 1:35 pm

I like Keegan numbers … I get frustrated when I look at rookie ladders and rankings because people list him 6-9. They forget his usage is super low , that he would probably be scoring 17-19 pts a game on many of the other teams. He make smart plays his on off numbers and net ratings are better than a lot ranked higher…

I guess it doesn’t matter as long as the Kings Fans are happy with pick!

go Kings and LTB!

Mike120
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March 20, 2023 2:23 pm

Sure would be nice to be up 10 after 6 minutes instead of down 10 like the Kings do so often. Could really use a blowout game tonight to rest up for Boston tomorrow. I grew up a Boston fan and still root for them in the East but will be all purple tomorrow at the game. My ticket rep got me two Assembly passes for the game. I usually get one game a season like that. Going to eat and drink like a shipwreck survivor.

RobHessing
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March 20, 2023 2:29 pm
Reply to  Mike120

To your point, it is the end of a four game, weeklong roadie, at elevation. Cruising to victory would be much more appealing than having to gut one out down the stretch.

Marty
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March 20, 2023 3:03 pm

Like most of you here, the Kings are not the only professional team I root for.

But I’ll be damned, I’ve never had a feeling like this. I expect the Kings to win every game now. Every single game.

What are year.

andy_sims
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March 20, 2023 3:10 pm
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I’m a fan of the Kings and the Bengals, so this is all very confusing to me.

Kingsguru21
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March 20, 2023 5:57 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

They went to the SB and lost to the Rams! The Rams!!! Don’t give me it was in LA excuse, either. That place was jammed with Cincy faithful. Unless of course you’ve forgotten how Ohio winters work. 😂😂😂

andy_sims
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March 21, 2023 12:38 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

No excuses, because I don’t know what you’re talking about, Pook.

Klam
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March 20, 2023 3:14 pm

Take advantage of the Jazz injuries tonight.
https://twitter.com/James_HamNBA/status/1637930608826654720

Adamsite
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March 20, 2023 3:32 pm
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The three leading scorers for Utah are out. That leaves (checks notes) Kelly Olynyk and newly signed Kris Dunn as the major offensive threats for Utah tonight. Combined those two average 21 points per game. There are ZERO reasons for the Kings to not with this one.

RobHessing
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March 20, 2023 3:45 pm
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Timmy_13
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March 20, 2023 5:03 pm
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Play 4D chess NBA 3.0 and rest ALL our starters, and play Delly 30 min. tonight.

Reverse the trap.

Klam
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March 20, 2023 4:19 pm
Reply to  Klam

And it looks like Lyles is playing too. Gotta win this one.
https://twitter.com/James_HamNBA/status/1637956081736642561

Adamsite
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March 20, 2023 4:55 pm
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I’m glad they are sitting Huerter. No point in rushing a hamstring.

andy_sims
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March 20, 2023 5:25 pm
Reply to  Klam

God damned popliteuses. You simply can’t count on them, especially since this is the first time I’ve ever heard of them.

According to the internet, the most effective therapy is rubbing the groin area, which has certainly helped me with all kinds of injuries.

SavageBeast
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March 20, 2023 4:50 pm

LPA, Scottymous Prime, my daughter and three of our grandkids will be chanting, “Light! The! Beam!” tonight in SLC.

Adamsite
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March 20, 2023 4:55 pm
Reply to  SavageBeast

Love it!

SavageBeast
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March 20, 2023 5:03 pm
Reply to  SavageBeast

Whoops, forgot one more son and two daughter-in-laws. 10 Savages should be able to be pretty loud.

Bluejohn
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March 20, 2023 5:30 pm
Reply to  SavageBeast

And really…….who’s going to mess with the Savages? I’ve always had a feeling that LPA could shut down anyone with just a glance.

Hope you and your posse have a great time at the game. LTB!

SavageBeast
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March 20, 2023 5:41 pm
Reply to  Bluejohn

You are not wrong!

SavageBeast
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March 20, 2023 5:43 pm
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There are almost as many Kings fans here as Jazz fans.

Kingsguru21
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March 20, 2023 6:00 pm
Reply to  SavageBeast

About GD time.

Also give LPA and Scotty my best.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kingsguru21
SavageBeast
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March 20, 2023 6:32 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Always, my friend!

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