The first day or two of a new year doesn’t really count. We can all agree on this, right? New Years Day everyone is too tired and hungover, and those resolutions can just as easily start the next day. That’s how I’m viewing Sunday’s loss to the Grizzlies, it was the last day of bad eating before starting your resolution diet in earnest. And what better way to kick off new good habits than by facing the Utah Jazz, who the Kings squeaked past to close out 2022 on a high note?
Let’s talk Kings basketball!
When: Tuesday, January 3rd, 6:00 PM PT
Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
For Your Consideration
Don’t Be An Easy Mark(kanen): As fun as Huerter’s game-winning shot was, I’m hoping the Kings can make this game a more convincing and less stressful victory over Utah. That last game was stressful as hell, and I’m not eager for a repeat of that. Part of that means finding a way to slow down Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, who led the Jazz with 36 and 25 points, respectively, in the last contest. Hopefully the Kings can implement a New Year’s resolution of defending without fouling.
On the injury front, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter leading up to tip off. Both players are listed as questionable. Monk is dealing with a sore shoulder, and Huerter has a sore back. Utah will be without Collin Sexton due to a hamstring issue. Sexton had a quiet game last contest, largely due to the defense of Davion Mitchell. Perhaps Davion can shift his focus to one of Utah’s other threats.
Prediction
Everyone is on their best behavior and they give their resolutions an honest effort. De’Aaron Fox has a huge night, Sabonis has a rather boring 25-point triple double, and the Kings run away with it.
Kings 135, Jazz 119
Do your best on Markkanen, but he’s been tearing it up. Just need to make sure the rest of the Jazz don’t sound off.
What was the last year to start with the Kings above .500?
Happy New Era is more like it!
Also the Kings are on top of the Pacific Division by a few percentage points over the Clippers. It has a nice look to it.
The Scores back in 2019? If I’m not mistaken.
The team with Bogi, JJ, Shump and company, and a young Fox.
And Dave Joerger.
The Jazz roster Ainge rearranges
As this year he’s made some big changes.
Beat them just days ago—
They’ve lost four in a row.
Make sure tonight’s loss is Ainge’s!
+1
You don’t suppose Sexton doesn’t want to have another “Off Night”!
Typical. Johnny Juzang ducking Mitchell. And Fox, while we’re at it.
Ducking Fox is like giving up on life and retiring.
If Monk amd Heurter out, exactly the game Id like to see Keegs pick up the scoring slack.
If both Monk and Huerter are out, it’s an opportunity for TD to earn back some mins in the regular rotation again. Mitchell should get more PT as well and maybe even a Keon Ellis sighting in the first half.
Badge Legend