NBA Game Preview: Sacramento Kings (12-46) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (21-34)

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The Sacramento Kings (12-46) face the Memphis Grizzlies (21-34) in a Western Conference matchup on Monday, February 23, 2026. The Kings, mired in a 10-game losing streak and the league’s worst road record (3-26), visit a Grizzlies team that’s 3-7 in its last 10 but holds a solid home advantage (12-15 at FedExForum). Memphis enters as favorites, leveraging its slightly better form and Sacramento’s depleted roster, but the Kings’ desperation could make this a closer contest than expected. With both teams struggling defensively (Kings last in points allowed at 121.1 PPG; Grizzlies 20th at 116.8 PPG), expect a high-scoring affair despite injuries. Below is a comprehensive breakdown, including key factors and betting insights.

Venue Location

FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee.

This 18,119-capacity arena, home to the Grizzlies since 2004, is known for its passionate “Grit and Grind” crowd and has been a tough spot for visitors, though Memphis’ 12-15 home record this season tempers the edge.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. CT).

The game will air on FDSSE (Memphis) and NBCSCA (Sacramento), with streaming available on NBA League Pass.

Injury Report

Injuries heavily favor Memphis, with Sacramento missing multiple stars and dealing with a depleted frontcourt, severely impacting their rebounding and scoring.

  • Sacramento Kings:
    • Out: Dylan Cardwell (Ankle).
    • Out For Season: De’Andre Hunter (Eye Surgery).
    • Out For Season: Domantas Sabonis (Knee – Torn Meniscus).
    • Out For Season: Zach LaVine (Finger Surgery).
    • Questionable: Keegan Murray (Left Ankle Sprain).
  • Absences remove over 60 PPG combined, crippling Sacramento’s interior and perimeter game.
  • Memphis Grizzlies:
    • GTD: Cedric Coward (Knee).
    • GTD: Kyle Anderson (Knee).
    • Out: Brandon Clarke (Right Calf Strain).
    • Out: Ja Morant (Left Elbow UCL Sprain).
    • Out: Santi Aldama (Right Knee).
    • Out: Zach Edey (Ankle).
    • Out For Season: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Finger).
    • Out: Scotty Pippen Jr. (Left Great Toe Surgery Recovery).
  • Morant’s absence removes 25+ PPG and playmaking, but Memphis’ depth (e.g., Ty Jerome) has stepped up.

Key

Player Matchups

Sacramento’s injuries shift the focus to secondary players, creating mismatches favoring Memphis’ remaining core.

  • De’Aaron Fox (SAC) vs. Ty Jerome (MEM): Fox (if available; 18 PPG in recent loss) brings speed; Jerome (28 PPG in recent win) must contain drives while providing offense without Morant.
  • Keegan Murray (SAC, if plays) vs. GG Jackson (MEM): Murray (15 PPG) stretches the floor; Jackson (20-28 PPG recently) exploits with scoring inside.
  • DeMar DeRozan (SAC) vs. Jaylen Wells (MEM): DeRozan (20 PPG in loss) mid-range game vs. Wells (25 PPG in win); Wells’ defense could limit DeRozan.
  • Other Notes: Olivier-Maxence Prosper (MEM, 23 PPG in win) adds energy vs. Kings’ thin frontcourt; Russell Westbrook (SAC) pushes pace but faces Memphis’ transition D.

Recent Team Forms

The Kings are 0-10 in their last 10, averaging 110.1 PPG while allowing 121.1. The Grizzlies are 3-7 in their last 10, scoring 115.5 PPG but struggling defensively.

Here’s a summary of their last five games:

TeamDateOpponentResultKey Notes
SACFeb 21, 2026@ San Antonio SpursL 122-139DeRozan 20 pts; 10th straight loss, allowed 139 pts.
SACFeb 19, 2026vs. Phoenix SunsL (assumed from skid)Continued woes; 4-6 ATS in last 10.
SACFeb 12, 2026@ Utah JazzL 119-135Defensive collapse; 0-10 SU skid.
SACFeb 11, 2026vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesLLow scoring; Allowed 133 pts.
SACFeb 6, 2026vs. Los Angeles ClippersLShooting struggles; 38.4% FG.
MEMFeb 21, 2026vs. Miami HeatL 120-136Jackson 28 pts; Defensive lapses, allowed 136 pts.
MEMFeb 20, 2026vs. Utah JazzW 123-114Prosper 23 pts, Jackson 20 pts; Rally in second half.
MEMFeb 11, 2026@ Phoenix SunsL 109-136Allowed 136 pts; 6-4 ATS last 10.
MEMFeb 10, 2026vs. San Antonio SpursW 136-108Gillespie 25 pts; Dominant win.
MEMFeb 4, 2026@ Sacramento KingsW 129-125Spencer 20 pts; Close road victory.

Sacramento is 0-10 in last 10, with poor defense (121.1 PPG allowed).

Memphis is 3-7, but 10-5 when scoring 115+ PPG.

Series History

The Kings and Grizzlies have played 112 regular-season games, with Sacramento holding a 59-53 edge.

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Sacramento is 8-12 in the last 20 meetings.

Recent: Grizzlies won the last three (129-125 on Feb 4, 2026; 115-107 on Nov 30, 2025; earlier wins). At FedExForum, Memphis holds a 35-21 home edge all-time vs. Kings.

Average points: 106.3 for Grizzlies, 102.0 for Kings in last 20.

Betting Trends

  • Trends: Sacramento is 5-11 ATS in last 16, 0-10 SU in last 10, 2-6 ATS vs. Memphis in last 8.

Memphis is 4-1 ATS in last 5, 6-4 ATS in last 10, 5-10 ATS on Monday.

The over has hit in 3 of Grizzlies’ last 5, 46.6% of Kings’ games (27/58).

Grizzlies 10-5 ATS when scoring 115+; Kings 21-35-2 ATS overall.

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Suggested Wagering Model

Game Odds

Sacramento Kings            232.5

Memphis Grizzlies          – 4.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 22, 2026