The Sacramento Kings play host to the Utah Jazz at Golden One Center on Sunday.

The Jazz (29-45) come into this matchup losing eight straight and 18 of their last 21 games in total. That's the worst record in the Western Conference in that span, making it hard to believe they were flirting with a .500 record before that. What's really tough about the poor season is that they've gotten some stellar seasons from some new additions. Keyonte George has been one of the best rookie guards in the NBA, while John Collins and Collin Sexton have done a great job of filling veteran roles. What they're really missing is Rudy Gobert and his defensive presence. Utah ranks 29th in total defense, and it's unfortunate that Walker Kessler hasn't helped more on that end of the floor.

The Kings (42-31) suffered a tough loss on Friday night, getting beat by the Dallas Mavericks. A home defeat against one of your rivals is tough, but it's even more frustrating since those clubs were battling for the six-seed in the Western Conference. Dallas took that crown for now, and Sacramento also lost Malik Monk in that defeat. The Sixth Man of the Year frontrunner suffered a leg injury in the first quarter and was unable to return. This team can't afford to lose him because Kevin Huerter just had shoulder surgery as well. It'll be up to De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to carry the load in their absences, but they'll also need more from guys like Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray.

This is the third matchup between these teams, with Sacramento winning three of their last four games over Utah in total.