12/21 Utah vs. Sacramento
7:00 pm MT – Root Sports/League Pass
Opponent record: 10-17
Season series: Jazz lead 1-0
It wasn’t long ago that the Sacramento Kings came into Salt Lake and were handed a tough 104-84 loss by the Jazz who especially exploded during the fourth quarter where they held the Kings to only eight points in the period.
Rudy Gobert was dominant in the match-up with 17 points and 14 rebounds while also shutting DeMarcus Cousins down in a big way. The All-Star big man was held to just 31.8 percent shooting from the field and over 12 points less than his season average.
It’s quickly becoming a habit for Gobert and the Jazz to shut down opposing big men, as they’ve been able to do so in several of their contests of late.
In 9 December games, @rudygobert27 is shooting 81% (47/58) & forcing opposing centers to shoot a mere 41% (34/81). 💪🖐#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/aaNxxiaV9q
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 19, 2016
The Kings continue to be a confusing squad that despite posting the rare impressive win, can never really seem to get it going. Just two days after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies on the road, Sacramento was blown out on Sunday by the Dallas Mavericks, the team that currently holds the worst record in the Western Conference.
The lone concern I have about this game is the fact the Jazz will be playing in it on the second night of a back-to-back right after taking on the Warriors the day prior. Beyond that, however, Utah should hold a clear advantage over the Kings, particularly if Gobert can once again shut down Cousins like he did in the first contest.
And Utah has been solid in back ends of back-to-backs, going 5-1 so far on the year. Thus, given the fact that they’ll be returning to their home court and are overall a more talented and consistent team than the Kings, I have no problem slotting the Jazz as the winner of the contest.
My Prediction: Jazz Win
Final Score: Utah 102, Sacramento 86