Game 18 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Utah Jazz

Marcus Thornton and Isaiah Thomas against the Utah Jazz. (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 6:00 pm PST

Where: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT.

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

Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (4-13)

PG: Greivis Vasquez
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Derrick Williams
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Utah Jazz Projected Starters (4-17)

PG: Trey Burke
SG: Gordon Hayward
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Derrick Favors
C: Enes Kanter

What to watch

1. Trey Burke vs. the Kings’ point guards

The Jazz rookie guard started the season on the injury list because of a fractured finger.  Since returning, Utah has seen slight improvement in their play.  Burke might pose a challenge to the Kings, but Isaiah Thomas might have something to say about that.  The Kings backup point guard has played scintillating basketball in his last two games, scoring 24 points against the Thunder on Tuesday and recording 14 points and nine assists against the Lakers last night.

2. Crashing the defensive glass

The Jazz haven’t much to be hang their hats on this season with the exception of their rebounding.  Coming into tonight’s game, Utah is currently ranked in the top 10 in offensive rebounds.  Sacramento, on the other hand, has been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league.  How will the Kings’ bigs fare against the Jazz’s frontline of Kanter and Favors?

3. Energy of the bench

The Kings received a huge boost from their bench last night.  Thomas led the way with his scoring, but John Salmons also played a solid game.  The veteran forward finished with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field.  The Kings are a much tougher team to handle when their bench is contributing.

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