Through the first quarter of the season, the Utah Jazz have struggled to hit last year’s high notes — and it won’t get any easier tonight with a visit to the free-scoring Sacramento Kings, who are big favorites in the latest NBA odds.
Utah arrives on the heels of back-to-back wins, including a 122-114 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, but only the Washington Wizards have lost more road games this year than the Jazz.
The Kings took care of business against the Oklahoma City Thunder last time out, holding on for a 128-123 win behind 41 points from De’Aaron Fox. But Fox is questionable tonight with a shoulder injury, which would put a bigger burden on Domantas Sabonis to run the offense.
Check out our free Jazz vs Kings NBA picks and predictions for a closer look at this December 16 Western Conference showdown.
Jazz vs Kings odds
Jazz vs Kings predictions
The Jazz’s lengthy injury report is a big factor in their subpar 9-16 record so far, but a short-handed roster has handed bigger roles to several of Utah’s rotation players.
Collin Sexton has grabbed that opportunity over the past two games after moving into the starting lineup. He scored 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, followed by 27 points on 11-for-17 shooting in Portland.
There’s every reason to expect that production to continue tonight. Sure, Lauri Markkanen is set to return to add some pop to the offense, but the Jazz are likely to be without Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, and Keyonte George, while Talen Horton-Tucker is also questionable.
Volume is the name of the game here, and the Sexton points prop stands out given all the shots up for grabs with this depleted Utah rotation. He’s got an easy path to 20 field goal attempts.
This matchup should tilt towards a shootout, with both teams ranking in the bottom third of the league in points allowed per game, and Sexton is poised to cash in on the Kings’ lack of rim protection.
I like the Collin Sexton odds for another big performance tonight, even if the Jazz slump on the road again, and he’s hit five triples over the past two contests.
My best bet: Collin Sexton Over 21.5 points (-118 at FanDuel)
Jazz vs Kings same-game parlay
Collin Sexton Over 21.5 points
Collin Sexton Over 5.5 assists
Kings -10
I’m sticking with Sexton in this SGP by adding his assists prop into the mix. With an uptick in minutes as a starter and the ball in his hands more often, I like his chances of boosting his playmaking numbers.
Sexton had seven dimes against the Knicks on Wednesday, and a high-scoring game should mean more transition opportunities for the Utah guard.
Though I’m picking Sexton to put up stellar numbers, the Kings are formidable on their home court and their offense was humming in Thursday’s victory over the Thunder, where they shot 49.5% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.
Sacramento has won three of its last four at home, and I’m comfortable laying the points with the hosts against this banged-up Utah team.
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Jazz vs Kings spread and Over/Under analysis
The Kings are double-digit favorites tonight and will look to pad their 8-3 home record against a Jazz team that’s 2-11 on the road.
Of course, De'Aaron Fox’s availability is a huge swing factor. He’s averaging 30 points a game and he’s the engine that makes this Sacramento team go. Either way, the frontcourt battle between Markkanen and Domantas Sabonis is the No.1 X-factor, with Utah needing Markkanen’s scoring in a big way.
The Jazz are 6-3-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these teams, but the Kings have won four of the last five matchups.
Get ready for points, points and more points tonight. The Over is 7-3 in Sacramento’s past 10 contests, and it’s been a winning ticket in 30 of the Kings’ last 44 outings at home. The hosts have also hit the team total Over in 26 of their past 40 games at Golden 1 Center.
The teams’ first meeting of the year ended in a 130-114 victory for Sacramento, and the Over/Under line of 240.5 suggests a similar high-tempo battle.
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Jazz vs Kings betting trend to know
Even with all their injuries, the Jazz have consistently delivered high-scoring games. Utah has hit the Over in 49 of its last 75 contests. Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Kings.
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Jazz vs Kings game info
| Location: | Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | KJZZ, NBCS-BAY |
Jazz vs Kings latest injuries
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