Game 12 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Utah Jazz

Tyreke Evans and Metta World Peace chase down a loose ball. (Photo: Steven Chea) Game 12 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Utah Jazz

Gametime: 6:00 pm PT

Where:  Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT.

Broadcast Information: Click here.

For Jazz perspective, visit fellow TrueHoop Network affiliate Salt City Hoops.

Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (3-8)

PG: Aaron Brooks
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Utah Jazz Probable Starters (6-6)

PG: Mo Williams
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Paul Millsap
PF: Derrick Favors
C: Al Jefferson

Three questions to ponder

1. Will the Kings shoot a respectable percentage from the field?

With the exception of one quarter, the Kings shot better than 50 percent from the field in each period against the Lakers on Wednesday.  It was the first time all season that buckets fell with ease for the Kings, who are shooting just 42.9 percent from the field this year.  If the Kings can shoot 45 percent or higher against the Jazz tonight, let’s call that a success.

2. Can the Kings’ big men win the match-up inside over the Jazz’s bigs?

The Kings bigs are coming off a successful game against the Lakers’ frontline.  DeMarcus Cousins battled foul trouble Wednesday night, but Jason Thompson and Chuck Hayes picked up the slack, holding Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol to just 15 points.  Tonight’s another tall order for the Kings against the Jazz, who have a very deep frontline.  Containing Al Jefferson’s offensive output will be a key for Sacramento in this match-up.

3. Does Tyreke Evans continue his improved play?

Tyreke Evans is starting to come around after a slow start to the season.  In his last two games, he scored 21 points against the Nets and 18 against the Lakers.  Evans has also stepped up his effort on the defensive end in recent contests.  But what I’d like to see Evans do tonight is continue to create for his teammates.  Against the Lakers, Evans penetrated the paint, found open shooters and finished with six assists on the night.

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