NBA: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings clash at the Golden One Center in California tonight. These two sides are considered to be the most enjoyable to watch in the entire Western Conference, and that’s why we simply had to cover this matchup. The Grizzlies are on a road trip and have two losses in a row, while the Kings snapped their winning streak with a defeat at home, against the 76ers. Memphis is ahead of the Kings in the rankings, and these two are battling for the higher seed. That’s why Sacramento has to win.

Preview

Memphis Grizzlies (31-15, -115) lost to the Suns last night in Phoenix. The final result of that event was 112-110, with the Grizzlies barely missing a chance to flip the situation and beat the rivals in the final period. They outscored the rivals 38-25 during the latest 12 minutes, yet the Suns rebuffed that push. Just to mention, the Grizzlies were down 29 points at one point. 

Ja Morant and the boys had domination on the glass, recording 52 boards, twelve more than their rivals. Though, they were mediocre from the free throw line, 19-for-27, and that, in the end, cost this team a victory. 

Morant scored 27 points, having eight boards and five assists. Desmond Bane had 24 with eight rebounds and six dishes, while Ziaire Williams entered off the bench to add 16 buckets. Steven Adams posted a double-double with 10 points and 16 boards. 

The Sacramento Kings (26-19, -105) lost to the Philadelphia 76ers at home, 129-127. It was the first failure for the Kings after six games, and event his one could have ended in their favor. 

Sacramento was up throughout the first half, having 10+ points more than the guests from the City of Brotherly Love. But after the break, the Kings slowed down, struggling on the offensive side of the ball and allowing the rivals to come back. 

Lack of composure in the finish was deadly for the hosts, plus, Tyrese Maxey’s wild finish (15 points scored in the final period). De’Aaron Fox had 31 points and nine assists, Harrison Barnes scored 27, 6-for-9 for three, and Kevin Huerter added 20 buckets. Domantas Sabonis was one board short of a triple-double, having 16 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. 

Head to Head Games

This is the fourth meeting between the Grizzlies and the Kings this year. Memphis beat the Kings in Sacramento, 125-110. The Kings responded at the FedEx Forum 113-109, but the Memphis brought back the edge in the series on their side, 118-108 at FedEx. That’s why Sacramento has to win tonight, to level the result and avoid having a negative tiebreaker against the Grizzlies. 

Prediction

These two sides are in good shape, near the top of the West standings. As said, the Grizzlies and the Kings are enjoyable to watch, delivering games with a high number of points. The line for over/under points is set at 244 buckets; in our opinion, this is over due to an offensive-minded approach on both ends. Sacramento is fierce at home, and the Grizzlies play run-and-gun throughout the entire campaign. The odds here are -110, which is completely fine.

Pick: Over 244 points -110