by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Marco Garcia of the Associated Press
New season, same Utah Jazz. To begin the 2023-24 campaign, Utah will be welcoming the Sacramento Kings in the return of the Delta Center.
What to Look For
Utah got a little taste of the Sacramento roster last week in their final preseason game, which did not end in their favor. Things to note going into this matchup: Utah will be at home this time around, they will be debuting their classic court and uniforms, and will have more solidified chemistry. With Utah returning their young core led by All-Rookie Walker Kessler and All-Star Lauri Markkanen, the possibilities are endless with a clean slate.
Sacramento will be coming in with momentum but not only from beating Utah this past Thursday, but after coming off their best record since the 2004-05 season. With the return of All-Stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento added a sleeper at guard, Chris Duarte. Duarte is currently listed as questionable for this matchup, but if he suits up, he could be a problem for Utah’s defense. Last season Duarte averaged 7.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG and 1.4 APG. Duarte showed a lot of potential in Indiana and Sacramento is hoping to make his potential a reality.
Key of the Game
Guarantees. Kris Dunn, who was a late addition to the roster last season, just had his contract guaranteed on October 23. This sense of security should translate to the court and prove to be a focal point for the bench unit to start the season. Last season, Dunn played 22 games and averaged 13.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 5.6 APG while shooting 53.6 percent from the field.
Luka Samanic only received a partial guarantee but still has a roster spot for opening night. Samanic also was a late add to Utah’s roster last season but provided enough on the court for the front office to give him another opportunity this season. Samanic played seven games and averaged 9.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 2.1 APG while shooting 45.6 percent from the field.
Injury Report
Sacramento – Chris Duarte (knee): Questionable, Trey Lyles (calf): Out
Utah – N/A
Where to Watch
Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. MDT and will be broadcast on KJZZ and Jazz+.
The Hive Sports 
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