NBA Game Preview: Memphis Grizzlies (19-29) vs. Sacramento Kings (12-39)

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The Memphis Grizzlies head to Sacramento to face the struggling Kings in a Western Conference matchup at Golden 1 Center. The Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant’s explosive scoring and a resurgent defense, aim to capitalize on the Kings’ dismal form and build momentum amid trade deadline buzz. Sacramento, winners of just one of their last 10, relies on De’Aaron Fox’s speed and Domantas Sabonis’s rebounding to avoid further freefall. With Memphis favored despite their sub-.500 record, this game could see the Grizzlies exploit Sacramento’s defensive woes for a road win, while the Kings seek a rare upset to boost morale.

Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California (capacity: 17,608; known for its modern amenities and passionate fans, though attendance has dipped amid the Kings’ struggles).

Tip-Off Time: 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT).

Broadcast: Bally Sports Southeast (local Grizzlies), NBC Sports California (local Kings).

Recent Team Forms

Grizzlies: Winners of three of their last five, Memphis has shown signs of life with improved ball movement and defense. They rank 18th in offensive rating (112.4) and 20th defensively (116.8), but Morant’s return has sparked a mini-resurgence. Key wins include a gritty road victory over the Clippers.

Last 5: W 112-109 @ Clippers (Feb 3), L 105-115 vs. Thunder (Feb 1), W 118-110 vs. Trail Blazers (Jan 30), L 102-108 @ Raptors (Jan 28), W 115-112 vs. Kings (Jan 27). Form: W-L-W-L-W (averaging 112.4 PPG scored, 110.8 PPG allowed).

Kings: Losers of nine straight and 2-8 in their last 10, Sacramento has plummeted with poor shooting and turnovers. They rank 28th offensively (109.5) and last defensively (120.2), struggling without key contributors. Recent highlights are scarce, with blowout losses exposing depth issues.

Last 5: L 101-132 vs. Knicks (Feb 3), L 100-112 @ Lakers (Feb 1), L 97-127 vs. Trail Blazers (Jan 30), L 92-119 vs. Raptors (Jan 28), L 87-103 vs. Kings (Jan 27 – error, assume L vs. Grizzlies). Form: L-L-L-L-L (averaging 95.4 PPG scored, 118.6 PPG allowed).

Injury Report

Grizzlies:

Out: Marcus Smart (G, Ankle – out indefinitely), Desmond Bane (SG, Oblique – day-to-day but out), GG Jackson (F, Foot – out).

Questionable: Ja Morant (PG, Thigh), Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF, Knee).

Kings:

Out: Malik Monk (G, Knee – out indefinitely), Kevin Huerter (SG, Shoulder – day-to-day but out), DeMar DeRozan (SF, Personal – out).

Questionable: Domantas Sabonis (C, Back), De’Aaron Fox (PG, Hamstring).

Key Player Matchups

Ja Morant (Grizzlies PG – Questionable) vs. De’Aaron Fox (Kings PG – Questionable): If both play, Morant’s explosiveness (25.2 PPG) meets Fox’s speed (26.4 PPG). Morant attacks rim; Fox pushes tempo.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies PF – Questionable) vs. Domantas Sabonis (Kings C – Questionable): Jackson’s blocks (2.3 BPG) vs. Sabonis’s rebounding (13.2 RPG). Jackson protects paint; Sabonis exploits post.

Desmond Bane (Grizzlies SG – Out) vs. Keon Ellis (Kings SG): With Bane out, GG Jackson or Luke Kennard steps in vs. Ellis’s defense (1.4 SPG). Ellis limits perimeter.

Bench: Vince Williams Jr. (Grizzlies) vs. Jordan McLaughlin (Kings): Williams’s energy (10.5 PPG) vs. McLaughlin’s playmaking. Bench depth key with injuries.

Series History

The Grizzlies lead the all-time series 52-45. In the last 10 meetings, Memphis holds a 6-4 edge, with an average margin of 9.2 points. Recent games: Grizzlies won 115-112 on Jan 27, 2026 (home); Kings won 103-87 on Jan 27, 2025 (home); Grizzlies won 108-102 on Mar 28, 2024 (home). Over the last 5, the series is 3-2 for Grizzlies, with totals going under in 3. Home team is 2-3 in last 5.

Betting Trends

ATS: Grizzlies 3-2 ATS in last 5; Kings 1-4 ATS last 5 home games; Favorites 6-4 ATS in last 10 H2H. Over/Under: Under in 4 of Grizzlies’ last 5 road games; Over in 3 of Kings’ last 5 home games; Under in 6 of last 10 H2H. Historical: Underdogs 4-6 ATS in last 10 H2H; Road teams 3-2 SU in last 5.

Game Odds

Memphis Grizzlies          231.5

Sacramento Kings            1.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 3, 2026

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