10. That's the number of seven-year Jazzman Alec Burks. Despite injuries and declining playing time in recent years, he performed well when given minutes in the Jazz playoff run last season. What will be his role moving forward?
9. That's how many shot attempts standout forward Derrick Favors averaged last season. While his role and synergy with fellow big man Gobert was questioned in the early parts of the season, they seemed to find a groove in the latter part of the season. How will Favors fit into the Jazz offense this year?
8. Bogdan Bogdanovic wears that number on his jersey for the Kings this year. But his impact won't be measured in this game due to injuries.
7. For Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio, seven was indeed a lucky number. After six tumultuous years with the Timberwolves, he started his seventh with a new team. As expected he boosted the Jazz defense and passing game, but also showed some scoring prowess, including a career high 34 point game.
6. What's better than five seasons of Rudy Gobert? Six. Gobert finally gained the full respect he deserved as a defensive juggernaut last season with a DPOY award. Will he take another step and secure an all-star spot in his sixth season?
5. The Jazz ended up as the fifth seed in the Western Conference last year, surprising many. But this year they carry much higher expectations. Can they improve on that seeding? Because a fifth seed will likely result in a worrying matchup against Golden State in the second round.
4. One key matchup tonight will take place at the four. Zach Randolph's production has declined as of late, and he'll likely see a reduced role this season. Still, his size, rebounding, and experience will help him matchup against Jazz four-man Favors.
3. Yes, the Kings drafted a big man with their lottery pick, but they also drafted a three: Marvin Bagley III. What impact will the lottery pick have on this season, and what impact will he have--if any--on tonight's game?
2. Donovan Mitchell ended second in last year's ROY voting, behind 76ers guard Ben Simmons. In his second season, he'll get the chance to both prove why he's the best up-and-coming player in the NBA and lift the Jazz higher than last year's second round playoff exit. So maybe we should just skip the number two and continue to number...
1. Because the Jazz are number one. We're coming for you tonight, Sacramento, but we have the whole league in our sights this season. And you gotta love it, baby.
9. That's how many shot attempts standout forward Derrick Favors averaged last season. While his role and synergy with fellow big man Gobert was questioned in the early parts of the season, they seemed to find a groove in the latter part of the season. How will Favors fit into the Jazz offense this year?
8. Bogdan Bogdanovic wears that number on his jersey for the Kings this year. But his impact won't be measured in this game due to injuries.
7. For Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio, seven was indeed a lucky number. After six tumultuous years with the Timberwolves, he started his seventh with a new team. As expected he boosted the Jazz defense and passing game, but also showed some scoring prowess, including a career high 34 point game.
6. What's better than five seasons of Rudy Gobert? Six. Gobert finally gained the full respect he deserved as a defensive juggernaut last season with a DPOY award. Will he take another step and secure an all-star spot in his sixth season?
5. The Jazz ended up as the fifth seed in the Western Conference last year, surprising many. But this year they carry much higher expectations. Can they improve on that seeding? Because a fifth seed will likely result in a worrying matchup against Golden State in the second round.
4. One key matchup tonight will take place at the four. Zach Randolph's production has declined as of late, and he'll likely see a reduced role this season. Still, his size, rebounding, and experience will help him matchup against Jazz four-man Favors.
3. Yes, the Kings drafted a big man with their lottery pick, but they also drafted a three: Marvin Bagley III. What impact will the lottery pick have on this season, and what impact will he have--if any--on tonight's game?
2. Donovan Mitchell ended second in last year's ROY voting, behind 76ers guard Ben Simmons. In his second season, he'll get the chance to both prove why he's the best up-and-coming player in the NBA and lift the Jazz higher than last year's second round playoff exit. So maybe we should just skip the number two and continue to number...
1. Because the Jazz are number one. We're coming for you tonight, Sacramento, but we have the whole league in our sights this season. And you gotta love it, baby.
