Kings vs. Grizzlies Preview: ROLL OUT

The Kings move on to Memphis for their 2nd game against the Grizzlies on the road this month. In our first meeting the Kings fell behind by 14 points in the first quarter but fought back to within two, 52-50 at the half. The Kings came out flat in the 3rd and shot only 26.1%, and the Grizzlies outscored them (35-18) in the quarter for a 19pt lead going into the 4th. The Kings won the 4th by 2pts but couldn’t make up for Memphis’ dominance in the 3rd.

Zach Randolph was out with a knee injury, but the Grizz outscored the Kings in the paint 72 to 46 and led in fast break points 21 to 13. Sacramento outscored Memphis by 8 at the FT line shooting 83%, and were 9 of 25 from three with Jimmer hitting 4 of 6. But, the Grizzlies shot 50 of 91 from the field for 55% based mostly on 29 of 40 or 72.5% at the rim.

Chuck Hayes started at Center and had 8pts and 3 rebs. Cousins had 4pts on 5 shots with 8 rebs in 22 minutes; JJ had 12pts & 10 rebs in 23 minutes. Jimmer lead the Kings with 17pts on 50% field and 66% from 3pt range. Tyreke and Marcus combined for 14pts on 6 for 18 shooting.

Since that game the Grizzlies are 6-3 and currently are on a 5 game winning streak after winning last night in Detroit. I’d be more impressed with their win streak if it hadn’t come against; the Knicks who have lost 5 in a row; the Hornets who have lost 6 in a row and are in last place in the West; the Bulls without Rose and Hamilton; New Orleans again; and Detroit who has the 2nd worst record in the league and is on a 4 game winning streak.

Memphis holds a slight advantage in TS%. Their 3P% is higher although they only make about 3 per game on 10 attempts, while the Kings lead in Off Rebs and FT%. Both teams are in the 2nd game of a back to back and had to travel to Memphis last night so neither has an advantage there either. So, statistically the game looks to be close with a slight edge to the Grizzlies. But, this is one of those games where match-ups are more important than statistics. In the last game the Kings had no answer for Gay or Sam Young who were 14 of 14 at the rim. Tony Allen, Mike Conley and OJ Mayo likewise were able to get to the rim unopposed scoring 11 of 18.

Since that last game, the Kings are doing a better job of getting back and stopping fast breaks. And, Tyreke and DeMarcus are playing a different game and at an increased level. Our half-court game isn’t where it needs to be yet, but if we can create turnovers and get out on the break ourselves, we will be competitive. I just don’t know if we can defend Gay and Gasol, and where the help defense in the paint is going to come from. But, I bet Coach Smart does.

Looking ahead the King only have one back to back in the next 3 weeks. That should provide some needed practice time.