The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz 2018-19 Week One Outlook, Predictions

By Jared Woodcox

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jae Crowder #99 an Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz shake hands during a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings on October 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jae Crowder #99 an Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz shake hands during a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings on October 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 12: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings is introduced during a pre-season game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 12, 2018 at Moda Center, in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 12: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings is introduced during a pre-season game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 12, 2018 at Moda Center, in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

10/17 Utah at Sacramento

8:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 0-0 (2-4 in Preseason)

Season series: Tied 0-0 (Jazz won 1-0 in Preseason)

As we saw quite clearly on Thursday night, the Sacramento Kings could be in for a long season. There’s undeniably some talent in their ranks, but their overall lack of experience, depth, shooting and defensive intensity will make it hard for them to compete at anything resembling the highest level this upcoming year.

In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see the Kings ultimately finish at the bottom of the Western Conference this year, especially considering the improvements that the teams that finished below them in 2017-18 made this summer. Each of the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks ought to be more competitive this upcoming season, while it will undoubtedly be a rebuilding and developing year for Sacramento.

The Jazz made light work of the Kings in preseason as they simply didn’t have an answer for Rudy Gobert, and Utah’s suffocating defense prevented Sacramento from ever finding a semblance of a shooting stroke. They shot just 34.4 percent from the field on the night and an appalling 16.7 percent from deep. The Jazz led by as many as 44 points and ultimately prevailed 132-93.

Sure, it was a preseason game so the results have to be taken with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, considering the youth and less than frightening nature of Sacramento’s starters and lack of talent among the reserves, I think it was a pretty accurate depiction of what we could very well see in this regular season bout.

The likes of De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, and the currently injured Bogdan Bogdanovic (his absence will be an extreme blow) are dazzling young talents that may have a bright future. But for now, expect the Kings to be outmatched all season long, beginning with Wednesday’s opening contest against the Jazz.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 120, Sacramento 103

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