4 of the most important early-season games on the Utah Jazz’s schedule

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Kris Dunn #11 of the Utah Jazz drives toward the basket as Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings defends during the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center on March 25, 2023 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. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)

Matchup #1 – vs. Sacramento Kings – October 25, 2023

And the most important game for the Utah Jazz in the early part of the season? Game ONE. The Sacramento Kings were the #3 seed in the West a year ago and lost a tough, seven-game series to the Golden State Warriors in the first round. The Kings have been waiting all offseason to get their revenge on the Warriors, and that opportunity comes on October 27th at home, in front of an ESPN audience. And it will take place just two nights after they face the Jazz on the road.

As such, this could become the ultimate ‘trap’ game for the Kings, allowing the Jazz to steal a victory and get a nice confidence boost right off the bat.

For the young Jazz, it is their opportunity to open the newly-christened Delta Center with a win. With a rocking opening night crowd, they will be poised to do just that.

The Jazz went 1-3 against the Kings a season ago, yet the lone Jazz victory was without their star player Lauri Markkanen. Meanwhile, the 3 losses were by a combined 11 points. So it’s very possible that the Jazz could play the Kings close, or come away with a win.