The Kings are finally starting to look like the team we expected. With a massive win over the Rockets on Tuesday, they’ve got some mojo back. It doesn’t hurt that pretty much everyone is back from injury, either. Having DeMar and Monk back together has made this team an offensive terror. They managed to drop 42 after halftime against Houston, with Sabonis having one of his best games of the season.
It's great to see this team finally have some success after slumping over the last few weeks. They’re currently 10-12 after a tough November. Now, taking on the Grizzlies tonight, they’ll have their work cut out for them, as Memphis has been a top team in the West.
The largest factor in tonight's game will be the Kings' ability to hit at range. They shot over 45% from 3 on Tuesday, and they’ll need to repeat that against Memphis. With a stout lineup of defenders, Memphis has the roster to stop almost anyone now that they’re near full strength. We still think the Kings' unbridled offense will give them challenges.
De’Aaron Fox has been electric over these last few games. Despite some tough losses, Fox has been picking up most of the scoring in November. He’s averaging 27 points a game, shooting nearly 50% from the field. We expect to see those numbers drop a bit with the team healthier.
Overall, we like tonight's matchup with the Grizzlies, but we worry about that defense. Jaren Jackson Jr. has looked elite, and Marcus Smart has been a menace. With how deep the Grizzlies’ roster is, the bench battle won’t be in Sacramento’s favor, either. We think this will be close, but Memphis will take it.
Memphis has arrived! Now that this team is finally all back together, they look dangerous. Morant has picked up right where he left off and has been a key part of this success. Not that he’s been alone. This has been surprisingly deep. Scottie Pippen Jr, Santi Aldama, and Jaylen Wells have all been massive finds for this team. Even a guy like Jay Huff has impacted this team. We’re wildly impressed with the team building in Memphis this year.
This team's success has translated well to the court, too! Memphis is 14-8 and fourth in the West. They have been cooking, only ending a six-game win streak on Tuesday with a loss to Dallas. Standing toe-to-toe with some of the other hottest teams in the West, this team is real.
Memphis is getting it done on both ends of the court, too. They’re ranked 5th in offensive rating and 6th in defensive rating. It’s a well-rounded group.
We like the matchup for them tonight against the Kings. The defensive makeup of this team will be an interesting clash against such an offensive team. The Kings have so many weapons on offense it’s hard to cover them up. Memphis will have a chance to, though. With size up and down the roster, they’ll make the Kings work for every basket. We think this one will come down to the Kings 3 point shooting. They shot 45% the other night, and if things drop at that level, they could overwhelm Memphis. However, we don’t think lightning strikes twice for Sac, and the Grizzlies will take this one.
Grizzlies Injuries:
GG Jackson Out
Zach Edey Out
Kings Injuries:
Trey Lyles Out
Spread: +3 SAC (-110) / -3 MEM (-110)
Total Points: 241.5
Moneyline: SAC (+130) / MEM (-155)
De’Aaron Fox 25+ Points (-115)
Ja Morant 9+ Assists (+110)
Sabonis Under 13.5 Rebounds (-115)
Jaren Jackson Jr 2+ Blocks (-105)