Basketball | Tuesday, November 22, 2022 10:30 AM

Memphis Grizzlies vs Sacramento Kings Best Bet: Kings Continue Winning Streak

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Global Sport Expert

Memphis Grizzlies vs Sacramento Kings Best Bet: Tuesday, November 22nd

The 10-7 Memphis Grizzlies are one-point favourites over the 9-6 Sacramento Kings for their game at FedEx Forum on Tuesday night. Sacramento is playing its best basketball in years, riding a six-game winning streak with the second-best offensive rating in the NBA. While the Grizzlies have been formidable at home (6-1), they are considerably weakened for this game with Desmond Bane and Ziaire Williams out.

Crucially, Ja Morant is also unlikely to play after suffering an ankle sprain. Morant was upgraded to doubtful on Monday, but it still seems a longshot the All-Star guard will take the hardwood for this game. There is no reason to risk him after being declared week-to-week.

Sacramento, in contrast, has a clean bill of health. Their road record isn’t spectacular (3-3), but they won their last game away from Golden 1 Center as they got the better of the Los Angeles Lakers in southern California.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Sacramento Kings Preview

Wed, Nov 23. 02:00 (UK time)

Homecourt clearly matters in this contest. Memphis is a difficult place to go, and the Kings haven’t played their best basketball on the road. Sacramento has found its groove on its home floor, though, and looks set to carry that over to their duel with the Grizzlies. They have made real, meaningful progress since losing by 15 to Memphis in October.

The injuries are also a huge factor here, of course. Morant being upgraded might make bettors cautious, and the Grizzlies have good depth, but it would be a real surprise if the former Rookie of the Year is available and at his best. With Morant and Bane out, Memphis is missing over 53 points of scoring and almost 12 assists.

From a matchup perspective, there are also elements in the Kings’ favour. They are fifth in their rate of three-point shots. Memphis is one of the worst in the league and preventing opponent perimeter attempts. Sacramento leads the league in efficiency on interior shots – Memphis is only league-average at defending the basket, though that should improve with Jaren Jackson Jr back in the fray.

These defences have both been porous. Offence will clearly trump defence in this contest, and Memphis is down on firepower with Bane sidelined. The Grizz have lost three of four – they are very dependent on their role players draining threes.