Gametime: 7:00 pm PT
Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.
Broadcast Information: TV – Comcast SportsNet California, Radio – CBS Sports 1140
For Jazz perspective, visit fellow TrueHoop Network affiliate Salt City Hoops.
The book on the Jazz: While the Kings have had four days to rest and practice since Monday’s match-up, the Jazz have played two games since then. Led by Enes Kanter’s 17 points in 17 minutes, they deflated the Bucks 100-86 at home on Wednesday. Last night, they hosted the Chicago Bulls and despite a season-high 32 points from Al Jefferson, the Jazz fell 93-89 at EnergySolutions Arena.
Did you know? The Kings could really use Sleep Train’s home-cooking. Opponents beat them by an average of 16 points per game during their six-game road trip.
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (17-33)
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Utah Jazz Probable Starters (28-23)
PG: Jamaal Tinsley
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Marvin Williams
PF: Paul Millsap
C: Al Jefferson
Stats
Kings
- Points Per Game: 95.8
- Offensive Rating: 99.9
- Opponents Points Per Game: 102.2
- Defensive Rating: 108.1
- Pace: 94.84
Jazz
- Points Per Game: 97.9
- Offensive Rating: 103.4
- Opponents Points Per Game: 97.4
- Defensive Rating: 104.2
- Pace: 93.60
Three questions to ponder
1. Will the Kings get fired up from the “Here We Buy” crowd?
With the threat of relocation looming, there’s been a major push over the last few weeks to fill up Sleep Train Arena tonight. The arena in Natomas will likely be packed with more fans than usual and that bodes well for the home team. The Kings generally are at their best when fans make their presence known at Sleep Train. They are just 12-12 at home, but that’s much better than the 5-21 mark they’ve posted on the road this season.
2. Will Jason Thompson have another standout performance?
Jason Thompson broke out of a lengthy slump in a major way Monday against the Jazz. The Kings power forward played 45 minutes and finished with a double-double in another close game against Utah. After DeMarcus Cousins was ejected at halftime, Thompson broke out after intermission. He scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half. Thompson always seems to perform well against Utah’s frontline.
3. Will Chuck Hayes make a defensive impact on tonight’s game?
With Cousins’ ejected, Hayes stepped up to fill his void on Monday. The veteran power forward played 16 of his 26 minutes in the second half and limited Utah’s bigs on offense. Following a 12-point first half, Al Jefferson scored just three points in the periods after halftime. Cousins will be back in the Kings’ lineup tonight. How will his presence affect the playing time for Hayes in this evening’s match-up against the Jazz?
Statistical support provided by NBA.com.
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