Utah will try to snap its two-game losing streak when it travels to Sacramento on Saturday night. The Jazz wrapped up their four-game homestand with a 144-116 loss to Milwaukee on Friday. Sacramento snapped a two-game skid with a 135-127 win over Phoenix on Friday.
Utah looked like it was going to fall completely out of playoff contention when it lost nine out of 13 games from the beginning of February to March 7. The Jazz were able to get back in the mix with four wins in their next five games, beating the Kings by eight points at home on Monday during that stretch. They lost their following two games against Portland and Milwaukee to wrap up their homestand, though. Utah now finds itself one game back of multiple teams for the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. The Jazz were never competitive in their 144-116 loss to Milwaukee on Friday.
?? SIMONEFONTECCHIO highlights anyone???#TakeNote | @zionsbank pic.twitter.com/s6ccdirtp2
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 25, 2023
They were severely shorthanded against the Bucks, playing without leading scorer Lauri Markkanen (hand), second-leading scorer Jordan Clarkson (finger) and third-leading scorer Collin Sexton (hamstring). All three of those players are listed as questionable coming into this game. Simone Fontecchio took advantage of his starting opportunity on Friday night, scoring 26 points on 9 of 16 shooting, including a 4 of 7 mark from 3-point range. Veteran forward Kelly Olynyk added 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists on 5 of 10 shooting. The Jazz rank sixth in the NBA in scoring (117.4) and are facing a Sacramento defense that is No. 28 (118.5).
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!