Sacramento Kings vs Utah Jazz Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 16/12/2023, 07:16  by Joseph King | Modified on 16/12/2023 at 07:19 in NBA Predictions

The struggling 9-16 Utah Jazz head to California to take on the resurgent 14-9 Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. After a slow start to the season saw them lose four of their first six, the Kings have since gone on a 12-5 run to move up to fifth in the Western Conference. Key to their success has been their performance in their home gym where they’ve posted an 8-3 record. Sacramento will be seeking their fourth win from the last five and second in a row following a 128-123 home victory over the OKC Thunder on Thursday. The Kings have already gotten one over on Utah this season after recording a 130-114 win when the two teams met in the season opener. Point guard De’Aaron Fox has taken a significant leap forward this season, increasing his points total to 30.1 per game. Fox dropped 41 in the Kings win over the Thunder, his third 40-point game of the season.

The Jazz have strung together two wins for only the third time this season, placing them 12th in the conference. A win here would be the longest winning streak the team has had so far in the 2023/24 campaign. Utah was able to prevail 122-114 at home over the Trail Blazers on Thursday, carrying over the momentum from a surprise 117-113 away win over the Knicks on Wednesday. What’s even more impressive is that they were able to do that without the services of leading scorer Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish big man is expected to suit up for this one and the Jazz could desperately use his scoring ability. Utah has been terrible on the road this season, posting a 2-11 record and a league worst -16.5 average scoring margin.