Grizzlies vs. Kings: A Head to Head Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies will face the Sacramento Kings at Fed Ex Forum. It’s a bit of a homecoming with Coach Dave Joerger, former Grizzlies coach now Kings coach, making his first appearance at Fed Ex Forum on the Visitors bench. He’ll bring former Grizzlies’ Matt Barnes, Rudy Gay and Kosta Koufas along with him. The Grizzlies are 7-1 for the month of December, coming off of wins against Portland, Golden State and Cleveland in the past week alone. Conversely, the Kings have lost 6 of their last 8 games.
The Kings haven’t gotten a win in Memphis since February 2009. In fact, the Kings have only beaten the Grizzlies twice in the last 5 seasons (total of 17 games played). The Kings last played on Wednesday as well and got annihilated by the Grizzlies’ Southwest Division rival, Houston Rockets, 132-98. DeMarcus Cousins rested, and Rudy Gay (hip) and Ben McLemore (quad) were out due to injury. The Grizzlies should expect to see a great match-up tonight between Cousins and Gasol, but reports indicate Gay is doubtful and McLemore is questionable.
Let’s see how the teams look head to head:
Record: Grizzlies 18-9 (11-4 at home; 7-3 in last 10); Kings 9-16 (4-10 on the road; 3-7 in last 10)
Points Per Game: Grizzlies 97.4; Kings 102.6
Points Allowed: Grizzlies 97.3; Kings 104.7
FG%: Grizzlies 42%; Kings 45%
3PFG%: Grizzlies 33%; Kings 34%
Rebounds: Grizzlies 44.3; Kings 42
Assists: Grizzlies 20; Kings 22.2
Steals: Grizzlies 8.7; Kings 8.5
Blocks: Grizzlies 5.3; Kings 4.2
Turnovers: Grizzlies 14; Kings 14.3
The Grizzlies welcomed veteran Vince Carter back into the line-up this week, but they lost rookie Deyonta Davis for 6-8 weeks due to a torn plantar fascia (foot). They have released Toney Douglas and have sent Wade Baldwin IV back to get some more development in Iowa. So, despite original reports that Conley was going to be out until at least mid-January, it appears he may be coming back soon…as soon as tonight. Additionally, the Grizzlies are looking to see James Ennis III and Chandler Parsons return to the line-up in the coming days as well.
It’s cold outside, but hopefully the Grizzlies will keep it hot in the Fed Ex Forum. They’re on a 6 game winning streak at home. Make your way down to the Fed Ex Forum to see them hopefully make that 7! Tip-off is at 7 p.m. You don’t want to miss any of this action. Don’t meet me there…Beat me there! Go Grizz!
**Sources used nba.com and landofbasketball.com**
- Grizzlies dominate Hawks again in 118-101 victory - March 8, 2020
- Grizzlies rally too late, fall to Pelicans 126-116 - January 21, 2020
- Grizzlies win fifth straight, defeat Warriors 122-102 - January 13, 2020
