Game Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 25: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings dunks the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 25, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Bench Scoring in Droves

A key storyline that has developed out of Sacramento since the last meeting between the two teams has been the benching of Buddy Hield, and his subsequent renaissance. While the Grizzlies certainly have options of their own, with guys like Brandon Clarke, De’Anthony Melton, and even Gorgui Dieng who has impressed since his acquisition from the Timberwolves.

Outside of the now reigning 3 point champion and lights out shooter in Hield, the Kings also have the likes of Kent Bazemore and Harry Giles who they can turn to off the bench for solid scoring. Sacramento and Memphis rank 5th and 16th respectively in bench scoring, and both teams have relied on their benches quite a bit throughout the season.

The key here for the Grizzlies is obviously slowing down Buddy Hield, but also getting defensive production out of their front-court guys coming off of the bench, where Memphis has seen heavy minutes being dished out quite often due to JJJ’s inability at times to stay on the court.

If Memphis gets another big night from Brandon Clarke off the bench as they did against the Trail Blazers, and the Grizzlies can contain a very capable duo in Bazemore and Hield, a win becomes much more manageable, and will be a key talking point after this game is said and done.

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