Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to win the season series, but it won’t be easy as they are on the road and playing on the second day of a back-to-back. Also, the Sacramento Kings are simply filled with swag and rhythm.

Catch the game tomorrow at 11:30 AM, Manila time.

HOME: Sacramento Kings (26-19, 15-10 at home)

Projected starting five:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Kevin Huerter
  • Keegan Murray
  • Harrison Barnes
  • Domantas Sabonis

The 2022-23 Kings are on a path that has not been taken by the franchise in a long, long while, and it has become a big boost in their confidence. The playoffs are becoming a reality every day.

For now, though, they hope to use that confidence to make a quick return in the win column. They saw their six-game winning streak evaporate against the Philadelphia 76ers over the weekend – a game they should’ve easily won given that Joel Embiid and James Harden were both out with injuries.

Nevertheless, it’s De’Aaron Fox’s time to shine again. He registered 26.0 PPG in three games versus the Grizzlies this season. Sac’s all-around big man, meanwhile,  Domantas Sabonis, ought to put more points on the board. While he has 12.7 points and 7.0 dimes against the Grizzlies, he’s just posting 12.7 points, well below his 18.8 PPG output on the season.

The other starters are guys to watchout for as well. Harrison Barnes is averaging 22.8 PPG on 53.2% shooting over his last five, Kevin Huerter is having a career-best 15.8 PPG, and rookie Keegan Murray is among the best in his class and just had a 29-point, 14-rebound performance days ago.

The Kings are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Advertisement

AWAY: Memphis Grizzlies (31-15, 11-12 on the road)

Projected starting five:

  • Ja Morant
  • Desmond Bane
  • Dillon Brooks
  • Jaren Jackson Jr.
  • Steven Adams

The Grizzlies have now dropped two-straight games after racking up a season-high 11-game winning streak. They faltered down the stretch against the Los Angeles Lakers, then came up short for a comeback win versus the Phoenix Suns.

The physical and mental fatigue of stringing together such a streak could be somewhat of a factor. That said, they at least know that they’ve already edged past this Kings team twice before, so there’s a hint of confidence there.

All-Star Ja Morant (27.2 PPG) will be leading the way as always, but since it’s on a back-to-back, there’s also a chance he may take a rest. If he does, backcourt partner Desmond Bane may be the primary option. He notched 31 points in his only meeting with the Kings this season. Stretch big man Jaren Jackson Jr. should be force as well – he not only has a good outside stroke, he’s also collecting an NBA-best 3.3 blocks per game. He and Steven Adams will be in an interesting matchup opposite Sabonis.

The Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road, as well as playing on 0 days rest.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Kings (+1.5) should have no problems beating a tired Grizzlies team.

Over/Under: We’re looking at two of the top five scoring teams in the league (Kings – 120 PPG, Grizzlies – 117.6 PPG), but it’s also a Grizz squad on zero-day rest so things may get slow and/or sloppy. Under 244 looks good..