Memphis Grizzlies: Contributor score predictions vs. surging Kings

The Memphis Grizzlies have bounced back from a rough spell near the end of the season with back-to-back wins over inferior teams. On Thursday, they’ll come up against a Sacramento Kings team that doesn’t seem to know how to tank.

On the season, the Kings are 31-38, having won their last two games and seven of their last ten. While they haven’t played like it all season long, they have looked like one of the better teams in the league at exactly the wrong time.

They’re not officially out of the conversation for the play-in tournament, but their odds are slim. Even if they do gain entry, what’s the end game for this team? Regardless, the Grizzlies will have to take on this Kings team that has been playing elite basketball.

The Grizzlies will be close to full strength, with Grayson Allen as the only key player who is listed as OUT.

Sacramento is led by De’Aaron Fox, one of few players in the league who can match Ja Morant’s energy and speed. Even if this isn’t a particularly good game, it’ll be a great matchup between two future stars of the NBA.

Can the Memphis Grizzlies continue their run for an 8-seed? Our contributors weigh in.

Jack Williams (Site Expert): This is a good matchup for the Grizzlies. It’s still unclear whether or not Jonas Valanciunas will play, but if he does, the Kings don’t have anybody who can match his size. This showed in the last matchup when JV dropped 25 points and 13 rebounds. If he’s back, you can guarantee that the Grizzlies will win this game. You can also expect a big game from Ja Morant, who will be dueling with De’Aaron Fox. This should be a good all-around game from a spectator’s point of view.

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 129, Sacramento Kings 120

Taylor Goebel: The Grizzlies host the Sacramento and will look to make it 4 straight wins. The last time these two teams squared off the Grizzlies took home the win 124-110. Memphis is second in the western conference for assists per game and while they will be down several key players in Jonas Valanciunas, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Grayson Allen, the Kings should still be a relatively easy game for them to handle. So long as the team shows up and some players step up Grizzlies should have this one in the bag.

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 120, Sacramento Kings 112