Game 20 Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz

Marvin Williams and Ty Corbin. (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 7:00 pm PST

Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.

Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), Comcast SportsNet California (Television)

Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (6-13)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Derrick Williams
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Utah Jazz Projected Starters (4-19)

PG: Trey Burke
SG: Gordon Hayward
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Jeremy Evans
C: Enes Kanter

What to watch

1. The debut of Rudy Gay

There’s a lot that’s been said about the Kings’ blockbuster deal that netted them the veteran wing.  Barring any setbacks, he is expected to make his Kings debut tonight.  How will he look playing on the Kings’ frontline?  Will he stagnate the Kings’ offense or will we see a different player contrary to what the stats suggest?  Tonight is expected to be the first real litmus test of Gay’s ability in a Kings uniform.

2. Who starts at power forward?

Jason Thompson reclaimed the starting job from the now departed Patrick Patterson.  However, Derrick Williams is more than capable of playing the four-spot considering power forward is his natural position.  Michael Malone will have a choice to make – go with the athlete in Williams or balance the talent with a complimentary piece in Thompson.

3. The passing of Isaiah Thomas

Thomas is a scoring point guard, but he’s recently been finding ways to make plays for his teammates.  In his last three games, the Kings starting point is averaging 9.6 assists per contest.  He recorded a career-best 12 assists on Monday.  With Gay expected to make his debut tonight, Thomas may have another option to pass to should he continue to assist at a high level.

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