With both starting centers out, expect a faster-paced, higher-scoring game and fewer offensive rebounds. Punters might favor Utah’s moneyline at home given Lauri Markkanen’s 28.5 PPG and Sacramento’s injury gaps, or target player props for Markkanen/Keyonte George and team total overs rather than backing Sacramento as favorites without Domantas Sabonis.
Kings vs. Jazz Preview: Injuries, Form and What to Watch
The Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz meet Friday in Salt Lake City (6:30 p.m. PT) looking to arrest slumps. Both clubs sit 0-3 in NBA Cup Group A and have already been eliminated from knockout contention, but pride and momentum are at stake. Sacramento is adapting without star center Domantas Sabonis, while Utah will be missing starting big man Walker Kessler for the remainder of the season.
Key Injury Updates
Sacramento has ruled out Domantas Sabonis (left knee partial meniscus tear); he’s set to miss multiple weeks and this will be his ninth missed game of the season. Backup point guard Dennis Schroder is listed as questionable (right hip soreness) after missing his first game of the season in the Kings’ recent loss to Phoenix. The Kings are 3-5 without Sabonis this year.
Utah has ruled out Walker Kessler for the rest of the 2025-26 season after left shoulder surgery. Georges Niang (left foot stress reaction) is also out for Friday’s game. Those absences leave more offensive load on Lauri Markkanen and thrust young guards like Keyonte George into higher-usage roles.
Form and Matchup Dynamics
Both teams have struggled this season: Sacramento has won only two of its last 11 games, while Utah has two wins in its last ten. The Kings’ interior weakness without Sabonis suggests vulnerability on the boards and in pick-and-roll defense. Utah’s strengths this season — notably Markkanen’s scoring (28.5 PPG) and improved guard play — make them dangerous at home even without Kessler.
Expect Sacramento to rely more on perimeter creation and quicker possessions; Utah will try to exploit size mismatches and feed Markkanen in isolation and pick-and-pop situations. Rebounding battles and bench contributions could decide a tight game.
Betting Outlook and Angles
With both starting centers sidelined, anticipate fewer offensive rebounds and a faster tempo, which can push totals upward. Utah’s home-court edge and Markkanen’s scoring form make the Jazz a sensible moneyline pick or short spread favorite. Sharp bettors may prefer player props (Markkanen, Keyonte George) or team-over totals rather than backing the Kings outright while Sabonis is out. Monitor Schroder’s status — his availability changes Sacramento’s bench spacing and turnover profile.
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What to Watch During the Game
Watch how each team adjusts its interior rotations and who steps up on the boards. Monitor usage rates for Markkanen and Keyonte George, and see whether Sacramento’s guards increase pace and three-point attempts. Special attention to bench scoring and defensive rebounding will likely reveal the winner in a close matchup.
The Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz are both searching for their first NBA Cup win.
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