The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Sacramento Kings on Monday night at the Golden 1 Center. Memphis sits fourth in the Western Conference with a 43-25 record, while Sacramento is 9th at 33-33. Both teams need wins for playoff positioning with just a few weeks left in the season.
The Grizzlies have won five of their last six games, including a 125-91 victory over the Miami Heat in their last outing. The Kings are struggling, having dropped four straight games. Sacramento needs to improve its defense after allowing 24 three-pointers and 38 points off turnovers in their last game.
Memphis Grizzlies Preview – Defense Must Tighten Up
The Grizzlies have played well recently but still need to improve defensively. Memphis gave up 75 points in the first half against Cleveland before bouncing back with a strong effort against Miami. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 31 points against the Heat, while Desmond Bane contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
Memphis has been without Ja Morant (shoulder), Vince Williams Jr. (ankle), and Santi Aldama (calf), but all three are expected to return for this game. Getting those key players back should give Memphis a boost, especially on the defensive end where they’ve struggled recently.
The Grizzlies excel offensively, ranking second in points per game (122.7) and field goal percentage (48.2%). With their top scorers back in action, Memphis is capable of putting up big numbers against a struggling Sacramento defense.
Sacramento Kings Preview – Defensive Woes Continue
The Kings are on a four-game losing streak and are at risk of losing their spot in the play-in tournament. Sacramento’s defense has been a major problem, allowing an average of 120.5 points per game during the skid. They struggled badly in their recent loss to Phoenix, giving up 24 three-pointers and 38 points off turnovers.
Domantas Sabonis returned to the lineup against the Suns after missing six games with a hamstring injury. He finished with 12 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds but exited in the fourth quarter after appearing to aggravate the injury. Sabonis is not listed on the injury report, but his health will be important.
DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points in the loss, while Zach LaVine added 21. Malik Monk provided a scoring spark late, but the Kings must clean up their turnovers and improve their defensive rotations to have a chance against Memphis.
Betting Prediction
Memphis enters this game as a slight underdog despite its stronger recent form and superior overall record. The Grizzlies’ offense has been clicking, and their defensive effort looked improved against Miami. With Morant, Williams Jr., and Aldama likely returning, Memphis should have the depth to exploit Sacramento’s struggling defense.
Sacramento’s defensive issues make it hard to trust them in this spot. Memphis has covered the spread in six of their last 10 meetings with Sacramento, and they appear better prepared to win this critical game.
Pick: Grizzlies +1.5 / Over 242.5
Trends to Watch
- Memphis: The Grizzlies have hit the Team Total Over in 52 of their last 83 games.
- Memphis: Memphis has won 41 of their last 63 games straight up.
- Sacramento: The Kings have hit the 2Q Spread in 29 of their last 45 games.
- Sacramento: Sacramento has lost four straight games heading into this matchup.
- Head-to-Head: The Kings won the last meeting 138-133 on January 3, 2025.
What’s Next
Memphis continues its five-game road trip following this contest, while Sacramento looks to stop its losing streak and stay alive in the playoff hunt.
