The set-up: Both teams are "hungry" for a win here. Sacramento has lost three in a row and they're just 7-13 on the road. After falling 127-123 to the Mavs last time out, I believe the Kings double down on the defensive end this evening. The Jazz are 15-3 at home and they're 9-1 in their last ten overall. Utah's back on track, but note that they'll be out for some defensive redemption here after losing 138-132 to the lowly Pelicans in OT last time out. From a situational stand point, I think this one sets up great as a lower-scoring defensive battle.

The pick: The numbers/trends support our theory as well, as note that the Pels have seen the total dip under in nine of their last 12 as a road dog, while the Jazz have seen the total go under in 11 of their last 15 in revenging a close loss vs. an opponent of three points or less and in 12 of their last 16 after failing to cover the spread in their previous game. This number is a tad high.

9* TOTAL COACH'S CORNER on the UNDER Kings/Jazz.