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Memphis Grizzlies face Kings in Randolph’s homecoming

By Parker Fleming

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 31: Zach Randolph
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 31: Zach Randolph /
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The Memphis Grizzlies face off against the Sacramento Kings tonigh. It’ll be an emotional game as Zach Randolph makes his return to Memphis.

If you’re a fan of the Memphis Grizzlies, you might need a tissue box when watching this game.

Tonight’s contest will leave you in a whirlwind of emotions as former Grizzly Zach Randolph makes his return. Just be ready. You might cry your eyes out. The Memphis Grizzlies Twitter account is already helping you prepare:

https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/954095378793611264

Expect it all. When he’s introduced tomorrow, he’ll receive a thunderous applause and a standing ovation. At some point in the game, there will probably be a tribute video. He may bring you back to the good ole days and casually drop 30 and 15, leading his team to victory.

Now that will leave me in tears like a kid leaving his parents for his first day of kindergarten.

Randolph has still been his productive self this season, averaging 14.7 points and 6.8 rebounds. Those numbers though haven’t translated to wins as the Kings are 13-31, sitting in second-to-last in the league’s standings… and they possess the second-most ping pong balls in the lottery, whatever way you look at it.

The Memphis Grizzlies will look to extend their winning streak to three after winning consecutive games for the first time since October.

What are some other things to watch for in this game?

Things to watch for

  • Battle of the young guns.

Surprisingly, Dave Joerger announced that he’s letting the young guys loose. In turn, expect to see plenty of De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Skal Labissiere and Willie Cauley-Stein. Each of these players posses a unique skillset that could make them, at the least, a rotation player in this league. Guys like Fox and Hield have star potential, and it’ll be fun to see them run loose in this one.

For the Grizzlies, they experienced a little youth movement the other night against the Knicks. Aside from Tyreke Evans and JaMychal Green, no other Grizzly player had more than three years of experience. Surprisingly, they pulled out the ‘W’ against a solid Knicks team. With Gasol questionable for this game, it’ll be interesting to see if the coaching staff lets the young guys off the leash once again.

  • Dillon Brooks

One of the main beneficiaries of the youth movement is Dillon Brooks. Though he’s been a starter most of the year, he’s turned it on the past few games. He’s averaging 18 points on 7-12 shooting from deep. The Kings lack perimeter defense, which could lead to another big night for Brooks.

  • JaMychal Green, Jarell Martin and Ivan Rabb

These players should have more of a spotlight on them in this game. Not for the sake of game-planning, but they’re seen as Randolph’s replacements. Last game, they played extremely well, combining for 43 points and 21 rebounds. Big games would be a confidence boost, and they’ll need to play huge roles guarding Randolph.

Can the Grizzlies pull out the win to extend their winning streak to three games? Or will they increase their chances of acquiring the number one pick? Will Randolph have a vintage ZBo game?

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Game Info

Who: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings

When: 7:00 PM – ct

Where: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN

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

How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis

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