The Sacramento Kings' record-long nine-game homestand comes to end tonight as the Utah Jazz visit. The Kings have gone 5-3 so far; one more win would exceed all practical expectations. Heck, even a loss here would represent exceeded reasonable expectations for the homestand, but we can be greedy. (Note that I said "reasonable" expectations: you all predicted this success. Kudos, but you are all crazy.)

The Jazz are pretty hot, too, coming in winners of four straight over mostly tough teams. Utah beat the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday, and knocked out the Thunder in SLC on Tuesday, and remain locked in a playoff battle with Houston, Memphis and the Mavericks. Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson have been stellar all season and of late; over the last 10 Utah games, the pair is averaging 38 points and 18 rebounds per game and shooting about 49 percent. The Jazz are also getting solid production from Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward and (finally!) Devin Harris.

I'll be cheering for the Kings, because progress is too sweet to ignore. But I'll also be watching the scoreboard: lottery rivals Golden State will be facing Houston and the Blazers host Memphis. Go Warriors! Go Blazers!

But most importantly, let's go Kings! Game threads at 7 and 8:30.