Game Preview: Sacramento Kings at Memphis Grizzlies

When: Monday, January 29th, 2024

Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN

How to Watch/Stream: BallySports Southeast

After a loss in Indianapolis Sunday, Memphis will now head back home to the Forum. Once there, they’ll begin preperations as Sacramento heads to town. I’m a personal fan of Mike Brown and the Kings, so anytime we’re able to witness these two squads hoop? I’m chalking that up as a win.

Before last night’s game Memphis had been riding a three game win streak. They’d been doing so on the backs of Jaren Jackson Jr… Flanked by a G-leaguer or three, Trip and the squad had been doing their damnedest to tread water.

And in the absence of so many of thier dudes they had been doing so. Against all odds they at least were managing. Now will they be able to do so against the 5th ranked Kings? We’ll be waiting and seeing there.

Regardless, here’s what I know. Sacramento is square in the middle of the league in both offense (117.0 rating, 12th) and defense (116.3 rating, 18th). Memphis? They’ve got a ‘bleh’ offense (108.1 rating, 29th) but a top tier defense (113.1 rating, 10th).

Let’s see if the Grizzlies end up with a case of the Mondays after tonight’s tilt. Then we’ll see if we need to adjust those numbers.

Who Out-Rebounds the Rebounder?

If you’ve caught a Steven Adam-less Grizzlies game you’ve most likely noticed. Notice a problem that has plagued Memphis the entire season. The New-Zealand sized elaphant in the room as it were…

I’m referring to the rebounding hole left in Adam’s absence. Spoiler alert, said hole is going to deepen after tonight’s game. That’s the facts of it.

Not trying to be a pessimist, only a realist. Because Damantas Sabonis is coming to town. And that dude’s middle name may as well be ‘Rebounder’.

Cause that’s his freaking bread and butter friends. Already a premier rebounder in the sport, he’s taking snagging boards to a complete new level.

Domantas Sabonis has been looking to hit first all year long. pic.twitter.com/Eilk4reO6Q

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) January 26, 2024

After six straight seasons averaging over 12 rebounds per game he’s found a way to out-do himself. Re-read that before you keep going. Six striahgt seasons. Averaging at least 12 rebounds a game.

Let that sink in—how good that is.

Now take in the fact that he’s on pace to have a career high in rebounds this season with 12.7 per game. That’s almost laughable—how stinkin’ good that is. And it’s by far enough to lead the entire league.

Now to the Grizzlies side of things. Memphis’ leading rebounder this season? Well… He’s not on the team anymore. That would’ve been Bismack Biyombo… Who averaged 6.4 rebounds per game on Beale St.

So we’re already off to a great start right? The next highest rebounder on the squad? JJJ with a pedestrian 5.7 rebounds per game. I’m sorry but when you’re over seven feet tall? I expect a bit more than that I’m sorry.

Well how about who rounds out the top five? It may be even more depressing. In third would be Ja Morant (5.6) who’s—you know—out for the season. Fourth and fifth? Santi Aldama (5.6) and Vince Williams Jr. (5.5) in that order.

For those keeping track at home… That’s three current active Grizzlies who are averaging over five rebounds… And zero averaging over six. That rebound by comittee approach isn’t going to cut it against Sabonis.

And if someone doesn’t go off, attacking the boards like a madman tonight? Well… We may be in for a long game. Like the extended editions of Lord of the Rings long you know? So strap in.

Whose Shot Will Fall?

One thing of note that both of these teams like to do is shoot the three ball. What’s interesting is the rate at which they continue to do so… Despite each team having varying of degrees of succes.

But that’s neither here nor there I reckon.

Going into tonight’s game, the Kings are currently ranked third in 3PA (40.4/game). The Grizzlies meanwhile aren’t too far behind them. They’re sitting fifth (39.2/game).

The rate at which they make those treys? Now that’s a different story. The Kings rank twelfth in the league with their 3P%. They’re making 37.3% of them. The Grizzlies?

They’re only making 34.5% of their threes. Which is the 28th ranked rate in the league.

If it’s a difference of about three percent versus five percent… I’d know which one I’d perfer. The issue remains that their may not be a solution to the problem on the way. They’ll need folks to shoot the ball better, plain and simple.

As is, the team only has four guys shooting the three ball better than 40.0%. Three of them are literal G-League guys… Scotty Pippen Jr. (66.7%), GG Jackson II (50.0%), and Jacob Gilyard (40.5%). While the fourth has missed significant time.

4 for 6 from threeeeeeeeeeeeee https://t.co/4Jloxylxml pic.twitter.com/BgJdQHpeOH

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 27, 2024

Now, Luke Kennard—43.3% current 3P%—has been shooting the ball lights out lately. It could be very easy for him to better his shot… If he can stay healthy. The intermittent time he’s lost has to throw off his groove but if he can find it again?

It would bolster the Grizzlies three point attack, and in a big way. Tonight though? If folks don’t catch fire from deep it may be a tough matchup beyond the arc tonight.

Photo Credit: (Nikki Boertman, AP Photo)