Memphis Grizzlies close 2017 with first showdown against Zach Randolph’s Sacramento Kings

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 27: Zach Randolph
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 27: Zach Randolph

The Memphis Grizzlies will close out a dreadful 2017 with a matchup against former franchise cornerstone Zach Randolph and the Sacramento Kings.

For the first time in almost a decade, the Memphis Grizzlies will face off against Zach Randolph. They made the infamous decision to move on from the big man, and it looks like a foolish one.

In Sacramento, Randolph has shown that he hasn’t lost it quite yet. Even at 36, he’s averaging 15.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. In addition, he’s shooting more 3’s — career-best 2.3 attempts per game. In the process, he’s led the young Kings to a better-than-expected start (12-23).

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are near the bottom of the Western Conference. They look like a team without an identity or a direction. They’ve also played significantly without Mike Conley.

In addition, their offseason power forward, JaMychal Green, doesn’t look better than Randolph. He’s averaging fewer points and rebounds, and he hasn’t been the defensive stopper he was last season. Backup forward Jarell Martin has been wildly inconsistent as he shows some flashes of being a solid rotation player while also looking like a G-League player.

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Today, Zach Randolph will get his first shot at redemption as I’m sure he’s looking to prove the Grizzlies made a mistake.

Other reunions

This game is essentially a giant Grizzlies-Kings reunion. The Grizzlies will face against former coach Dave Joerger and former players Kosta Koufos and Vince Carter. Sacramento will host the returning Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans.

It should be a good contest between these Western Conference foes.

Could the Memphis Grizzlies come out on top in this crowded reunion? Or will Zach Randolph work them?

Next: What ZBo meant to Memphis

Game Info

Who: Memphis Grizzlies @ Sacramento Kings

When: 6:00 PM – ct

Where: Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA

How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast – or any online stream

How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis