The next few weeks could be key, as the Kings have a lightened schedule in terms of games played. Practice time will be valuable for Theus to show he can inspire his team to compete on a consistent basis, and he should be able to do so with a roster that is nearly at full health.

Shooting guard Kevin Martin returned to the lineup for the first time in 13 games on Tuesday after being out with a sprained left ankle. Swingman Francisco Garcia has played in three games after missing the entire regular season before that point with a strained right calf. The exception at the moment is swingman John Salmons, whose left thigh strain kept him out of the Kings' loss against the Jazz.

JAZZ 99, KINGS 94: Utah point guard Deron Williams may not be playing like his old self just yet as he recovers from an ankle injury, but he was more than enough in a win over the Kings.

Williams hit two key baskets in the final 1:05 of play, a driving lay-up past Kings point guard Beno Udrih and a 17-footer with 32 seconds left. He had 14 points and seven assists in just 29 minutes.