Sacramento Kings vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction

Sacramento Kings vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction

After their first two regular-season encounters were postponed last month, the Sacramento Kings (12-13) and Memphis Grizzlies (10-11) finally clash overnight in a Western Conference matchup between two teams angling for a playoff berth this term.

Both are missing important players, so who will execute better to start the new week on a high? Read my basketball preview, for the best betting odds ahead of this compelling H2H matchup.

Sacramento Kings vs Memphis Grizzlies Preview

De'Aaron Fox (knee) and Marvin Bagley III (calf) didn't feature, as the Kings were outscored in all but the first quarter at home against Orlando - mostly centred on All-Star centre Nikola Vucevic, who produced 42 points (17-of-22, 6-of-8 for three), nine rebounds and four assists by himself.

They ultimately lost 123-112 that night, and it appears possible Luke Walton will have to go without both again overnight. In practice Thursday, Fox banged knees and didn't appear on their injury report until late - was a game-time decision and naturally a significant loss for them, considering his developments as the number one option.

Over his last 11 games, the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week is averaging 28.9 points and 8.4 assists. His absence meant highly-rated rookie Tyrese Haliburton was given a second career start and did well: 14 points, seven assists and three rebounds in 27 minutes. 

Buddy Hield led them in three-point shooting (5-of-12 3 PM, 19 pts) but his teammates struggled from deep (7-of-22 total, 31.8%). PF Bagley III (12.5 pts, 7.4 rebs, 37.3 3P%) won't be out for long, though after starting their first 24 games of the season - a career-long streak - he's a doubt again.

As for the Grizzlies, they couldn't outlast the Lakers last time out in a ten-point loss. However, star guard Ja Morant had a double-double (22 pts, 10 ast) while two other players recorded 20 points or more - C Jonas Valanciunas (22 pts, 8 rebs, 5 ast) and SG Grayson Allen (23 pts, 6 3 PM).

Brandon Clarke (calf), De'Anthony Melton (shoulder) and Desmond Bane (personal reasons) are all listed as out or day-to-day on the injury report, so can the Grizzlies prevail despite their own injury issues to improve their 6-4 away record?

Sacramento Kings vs Memphis Grizzlies Betting Tips

This matchup could go either way, and ESPN's BPI reinforces that notion, narrowly backing the Kings (53%) to emerge victoriously. I'm going with them too, as they look to protect home court and go .500 themselves.