Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings: Five Things to Watch

I’ll be in attendance (finally!) with my son for the game tonight when the Utah Jazz (14-10) take on the Sacramento Kings (8-14) at the Viv. Here are five things I’ll be watching for.

1. Rudy Gobert vs. DeMarcus Cousins.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

I cannot wait to see these two go up against each other. I hope that they are matched up the whole game. DeMarcus is a huge, whiny toddler who is really good at basketball. I think Rudy Gobert can get him very frustrated. I’m excited to see a tantrum or two and for the crowd at the Viv to give Cousins the business. All of that aside, this is just simply a great basketball match-up between two great players who are juggernauts; one offensive and one defensive.

Rudy’s been a beast. Look for him to take on the challenge tonight against Cousins.

2. Gordon Hayward’s finger.

Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images

G-time is set to play tonight, while we’ll be without George Hill, Rodney Hood, Derrick Favors and Alec Burks. I hope that Gordon can come out and play within the flow of the offense and not be out there overtly attempting to shoulder the load offensively. I think that he will shoulder the load, but as he has shown all season, he is great within the flow of the offense and taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented to him rather than trying to force opportunities to be there. This will be more difficult without those injured studs.

3. Can Joe Ingles keep it rolling?

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Jinglin’ Joe has been on a roll. He plays such a vital role for this team. Thursday against the Warriors Joe went off for 21 points (7-13, 5-9 3pt), 5 reb, 3 ast, 4 stls(!) and 1 blk. He’s been shooting lights out over the last 2 weeks. We’ll need him to step again tonight. — Also, is this guy the most likable Jazz man? Like, I just want to be his friend. I’ll tweet him more.

4. Who will play the bulk of the SG minutes?

With Hood out, does Quin continue to start Dante Exum at SG and Shelvin Mack at PG? Or does he start Joe Johnson at SF and Gordon Hayward at SG? Regardless of who starts, the opportunity for minutes will be there for all of these guys. They’ll have a less difficult defensive task than they did Thursday night, so look for Exum and Mack to be better offensively.

5. Boris Diaw.

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Boris has been playing solid ball for the Jazz over the last week. He looks much more comfortable and confident in his role and in this offense. I’ll be paying close attention to the times when he is matched up with Rudy Gay defensively. This seems like it could be a tough cover for Boris.

— Bonus — (kind of)

How sweet are the Kings alternate jerseys they wore last night in their 100-103 loss to the New York Knicks? I love them.

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Also, gotta love this. Sheesh.

Go Jazz!