Sacramento Kings vs Utah Jazz Prediction: Both teams playing back-to-back

The NBA Regular Season is wrapping up quickly and it is now the high-time where we can see a win or loss can make a big difference. Thus, the Postseason spots are still up for grabs and the battle in the West may reach the last day when we learn which teams make it to the Playoffs and Play-in tournament. In this game, two Western Conference squads, the Sacramento Kings and the Utah Jazz are going to take on each other.

The Kings storm into this affair after defeating the Suns 135:127 on the heels of a spectacular 29 points outing by Kevin Huerter. This broke a two-game losing streak an in an extended window, the Kings have managed 12 wins in the last 16 games. This window gave further wings to the Kings’ season and they have compiled 44 wins and 29 losses. They are most likely going to finish third in the Western Conference.

After being overburdened with responsibilities for years, De’Aaron Fox has an amazing balance around him. Domantas Sabonis eases the playmaking burden, provides efficient scoring, and is an elite rebounder. Kevin Huerter is shooting the lights out whereas Wings Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray are double-digit scorers. The Kings have one of the best offenses in the league.

The Jazz comes into the match after losing 116:144 against the Bucks despite a 26 points outing by Simone Fontecchio. The Jazz was playing without Lauri Markkanen who is their leading scorer while they have already been playing without their second-leading scorer Jordan Clarkson. Not having Collin Sexton has further weakened their Guard rotation. The Jazz has 38 losses and 35 wins and a tough schedule has hampered their push for the Play-in tournament.

Lauri Markkanen is heading the team and is the most likely candidate for the Most Improved Player. The Jazz lacks the defensive acumen against elite squads and they can’t afford injuries to their major offensive players. The Jazz will need a winning streak to get back into the Play-in contention. Can Lauri Markkane provide a final boost or it will be curtains for the squad before the Postseason begins?

• Kings: Game-Time Decision: De’Aaron Fox;
• Jazz: OUT: Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson. Game-Time Decisions: Rudy Gay, Lauri Markkanen.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Domantas Sabonis(26-33 Points), Lauri Markkanen(25-31 Points)- QUES;
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Domantas Sabonis(14-19 Rebounds), Walker Kessler(8-10 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Domantas Sabonis(9-11 Assists), Talen Horton-Tucker(5-7 Assists).

De’Aaron Fox may end up missing the game but the Kings have developed enough balance to overcome occasional disappearances. The Jazz has been struggling on the defensive end and this doesn’t bode well for the team against a sharpshooting and high-scoring Kings. Both teams played last night but the Kings have both form and the home-court advantage. I predict a scoreline of 125:111 in favor of the Kings.