The Grizzlies are coming off a 16-point defeat to the Miami Heat that saw Scotty Pippen Jr. get ejected near the end of the game. The good news for the Grizzlies is that Pippen Jr. avoided any suspension, but he and Myron Gardner both got fined $35,000 for their altercation.
The next two games for the Grizzlies are at home against the Sacramento Kings tonight and then the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. Given the Grizzlies' struggles since 2026 started, they will have a chance to complete a season sweep against a 12-46 Kings team.
This is a game the Grizzlies cannot let themselves lose
Sitting at 21-34, it would take a miracle turnaround for the Grizzlies to play playoff basketball. While the 2026 NBA Draft is a key centerpiece of attention for the team, this is still an important period of development for the Grizzlies. While it is almost certain that the Grizzlies will lose plenty more games, it will still be crucial for the Grizzlies' young players to build winning habits and maximize their current roles.
This is a golden opportunity for the Grizzlies to complete a season sweep despite the season heading in the wrong direction. Just a day after the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, the Grizzlies won 129-125 in Sacramento, largely thanks to clutch shot-making from GG Jackson II and Cam Spencer late. Not only have the Kings failed to win since they last played the Grizzlies, but their 16-game losing streak extends all the way back to mid-January.
One key thing that the Grizzlies have typically done well in recent seasons is beat the teams that they are supposed to win against. While the Grizzlies are shorthanded themselves, the Kings have shut down multiple crucial players for the rest of the season, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and newly acquired De'Andre Hunter.
The circumstances are wildly different for both teams since then, but the Grizzlies beat Sacramento by 41 points when the Kings last came to Memphis on November 20. Currently being up 3-0 on the season series against a reeling Kings team, tonight is a great opportunity for the Grizzlies given how many players both teams are missing.
Getting one of the top picks of the 2026 NBA Draft would be franchise-altering for the Grizzlies; however, games such as tonight's against Sacramento are important for building the confidence of young players. There have been many questionable defeats for the Grizzlies, but allowing the Kings to end their 16-game losing streak would undoubtedly be their worst loss of the season.