The Memphis Grizzlies (3-1) visit the Sacramento Kings (0-3) at Golden 1 Center Thursday. Tip is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Grizzlies vs. Kings odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Grizzlies come into this game off a 134-124 beatdown of the Brooklyn Nets Monday as 1-point favorites. Their other wins were by 3 points over New York Knicks to open the season and by 7 over the Houston Rockets Friday. Memphis lost to the Dallas Mavericks by 41 in between the Houston and Brooklyn victories.
Memphis is led by MVP candidate G Ja Morant. Morant is averaging 35.3 points per game and has scored 38 or more points in 2 of the 4 games. F Jaren Jackson Jr. has remained sidelined and is likely to remain so until early 2023.
The Kings have struggled to start the season and lost to the Golden State Warriors 130-125 Sunday, coving as 10-point underdogs. They also have a 2-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and a 7-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on their resume.
Sacramento is led by star G De’Aaron Fox, who is averaging 31.7 points per game and is shooting 59.4% from the field. First-round pick F Keegan Murray is 2nd on the team with 17.5 points per game on 54.2% shooting.
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Grizzlies at Kings odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:46 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Grizzlies -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Kings +133 (bet $100 to win $133)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies -3.5 (-112) | Kings +3.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 235.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Grizzlies at Kings key injuries
Grizzlies
- G Danny Green (knee) out
- F Jalen Jackson Jr. (foot) out
- G John Konchar (shoulder) questionable
- G/F Ziaire Williams (knee) out
Kings
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Grizzlies at Kings picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 118, Kings 116
Moneyline
PASS.
This line seems like a trap as the 3-1 Grizzlies (-165) are clearly the better team. However, the Kings have kept games close this season, and I’d rather back them on the spread.
Against the spread
BET KINGS +3.5 (-110).
The Grizzlies have the league’s 24th-best net rating following their 41-point loss to the Mavericks. The winless Kings have taken on the defending champs and still sit 20th.
Memphis’ defense has taken a major blow this season with Jackson out, and will struggle on the road against a team that will look to push the pace and has been able to keep games close.
The Kings rank 11th in effective field goal percentage and are 7th in defensive rebounding rate which should limit what was a key strength for the Grizzlies last season.
Sacramento is the more rested side and at home, both of which should aid its ability to keep this game close.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 235.5 (-105).
The Grizzlies haven’t played well defensively this season, but Fox shooting 59% from the field is not a realistic percentage to sustain. The Kings are not the 11th-best shooting team in the NBA and should regress.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have actually slowed the pace this season, ranking 19th in the NBA. Expect a slow game and at least some shooting regression.
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