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Sacramento, Calif. • One solid measurement of how an NBA team performs is how it plays in back-to-backs — particularly the second game.

The Jazz have been unstable in this area. They started the season by winning five of their first six games in three back-to-back situations. Among those wins was a 120-101 home demolition of the Houston Rockets, one of their best overall performances of the season.

But heading into their latest back-to-back set — Sunday afternoon against the Sacramento Kings, followed by Monday's home meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Jazz have sagged to 7-7 overall when playing games on consecutive nights, including Wednesday's ugly 27-point loss to Minnesota at home, less than 24 hours after a loss at Oklahoma City.

"There's no doubt that it's important to play well on back-to-backs," Jazz point guard George Hill said. "We want to be one of those teams that's getting better at all aspects as the season goes on. This is an important time of the year, and we want to separate ourselves from the pack. This is an area we can do so."

The NBA regular season is a grind, and teams that can play well when tired are the ones who find themselves sitting high in the standings. The Jazz are fourth in the Western Conference standings, but their 38-24 record doesn't come without concern.

Wednesday's loss to Minnesota was easily Utah's worst loss of the season. The Jazz have their reasons: They expended a ton of energy in Tuesday's defeat at the Oklahoma City Thunder. After the game, many in the Jazz lockerroom felt they should have held on to what was a four-point lead at OKC in the final minutes.

The Jazz' failure to do so facilitated an emotional crash, and it turned one loss into two the next night. The Jazz didn't show up mentally against Minnesota, and blew an opportunity to strengthen their hold on the fourth spot.

"We know that we have to figure out a way to bring energy going forward," point guard Dante Exum said. "We have to bring the juice."

The Jazz are hoping their depth will help them in the stretch run; they will play 20 games in the next 39 days. Included in those are three back-to-back sets, and one of those include the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Jazz know what's at stake and what's within reach. But the Jazz also know they will have to play well, even with tired and heavy legs. They know the time for excuses has passed.

With Utah essentially playing every other day for the remainder of the regular season, rest and recovery becomes crucial. On back-to-back sets, especially on the tail end, Exum makes it a point to wake up earlier than usual. Then, he simply walks around, so that he can limber up.

"You just want to get the blood flowing," Exum said. "The last thing you want is to not be loose."

Many Jazz players allow a few more minutes for their pregame routines. Some stay off their feet a little more than usual. Some sleep in because the team doesn't hold morning shootaround on the second half of back-to-backs.

Everyone has a different routine, each tailored to work for the individual. NBA players are a superstitious bunch, so they try hard to stick to the same plan.

"You have to do whatever to take care of your body," Jazz power forward Derrick Favors said. "You have to ice a lot. You have to rest, you have to stay hydrated. You have to find ways to stay ready. And we have to be ready for the rest of the season."

Twitter: @tribjazz —

Jazz update

• The Jazz have lost three consecutive games on the second night of back-to-back games.

• Utah has beaten two current playoff teams on the second night of a back-to-backs.

• The Jazz have three back-to-back sets remaining this season — including Sunday and Monday.

Jazz at Kings

P At Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, Calif.

When • 4 p.m. MST

TV • ROOT

Radio • 1280 AM; 97.5 FM

Records • Utah 38-24; Sacramento 25-36

Last Meeting • Sacramento 94-93 (Dec. 21, 2016)

About the Jazz • They were without Rodney Hood and Joe Johnson in Friday's win over the Brooklyn Nets. … The season series between the Jazz and Kings is tied at 1. … The Jazz are in the fourth spot in the Western Conference. … Utah is 3-2 since the all-star break and 5-5 in their past 10 games.

About the Kings • Buddy Hield is averaging 13.8 points per game since being traded to Sacramento for DeMarcus Cousins. … The Kings are on a three game losing streak. … Rookie Skal Labissiere had his first career start against the Brooklyn Nets and scored 10 points. … The Kings are 1-3 since trading Cousins to New Orleans.