Imagine a team desperately clinging to any shred of hope after a soul-crushing nine-game losing streak. That's the Sacramento Kings right now, staring down the barrel of another tough matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. But here's where it gets interesting: while the Kings are struggling, the Grizzlies aren't exactly dominating, sitting at 11th in the Western Conference. Could this be Sacramento's chance to finally turn things around?
The Kings, currently languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 12-39 record, host the Grizzlies (19-29) on Wednesday night in Sacramento. This game marks the third meeting between these teams this season, with Memphis taking the most recent matchup on December 1st in a close 115-107 victory. Zach Edey led the Grizzlies with a stellar 32-point performance, while DeMar DeRozan topped the Kings with 23 points.
And this is the part most people miss: despite their overall struggles, the Kings have shown glimpses of resilience, going 3-3 in games decided by 3 points or fewer. However, their overall record against Western Conference opponents is a dismal 8-25. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, have fared slightly better within the conference, posting a 15-17 record. Memphis boasts a strong fast-break game, averaging 14.4 points per game in this category, led by the explosive Ja Morant, who averages 2.7 fast-break points per game.
Offensively, the Kings average 110.2 points per game, but they'll need to find a way to crack the Grizzlies' defense, which allows 116.8 points per contest. Interestingly, the Grizzlies' field goal percentage (45.5%) is actually lower than what the Kings typically allow their opponents (49.1%). This could be a crucial factor in the game.
Here's a controversial take: While the Kings are underdogs, their ability to keep games close suggests they might have a fighting chance if they can capitalize on the Grizzlies' injuries. Memphis is currently dealing with a slew of injuries, including key players like Ja Morant (elbow) and Zach Edey (ankle). Could this be the opening Sacramento needs?
Looking at individual performances, DeRozan leads the Kings with 19.2 points and 3.9 assists per game, while Zach LaVine has been consistent, averaging 15 points over the last 10 games. For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. is a force to be reckoned with, averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Cedric Coward has also been hot from beyond the arc, averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers in the last 10 games.
In their last 10 games, the Kings have gone 1-9, averaging 110.1 points, 42.9 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 6.4 steals, and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents, however, have averaged a staggering 119.0 points per game. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are 3-7 in their last 10, averaging 114.2 points, 43.8 rebounds, 28.4 assists, 7.7 steals, and 5.8 blocks per game with a 45.9% field goal percentage. Their opponents have averaged 117.5 points.
Injury-wise, the Kings are without Keegan Murray (ankle) and Domantas Sabonis (back), while Russell Westbrook is day-to-day with a foot injury. The Grizzlies' injury list is even longer, with John Konchar (neck), Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Ja Morant (elbow), Santi Aldama (knee), Zach Edey (ankle), and Brandon Clarke (calf) all sidelined or questionable.
What do you think? Can the Kings finally snap their losing streak against a banged-up Grizzlies team, or will Memphis find a way to pull out another win? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
