The Grizzlies woke up 5-0 and at the top of the Western Conference, and tonight they host a Sacramento team they already beat 123-112 on October 25. Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Quinten Post are all listed day-to-day, each with an estimated return of today.
What moved overnight for the Grizzlies?
The standings. Memphis went from second to first in the West on October 31, after the 124-103 win in Portland closed out the road trip. Ja Morant left that game hurt, and ESPN's Ben Golliver reported he is out at least 4 weeks with a hamstring strain. That belongs to Portland now. What belongs to Memphis is a clean start and a target on its back.
Who is available against the Kings tonight?
Jerome and Pippen Jr. both carry day-to-day tags for back issues, and Post for his right ankle. All three are listed to return today. Jerome matters most. He leads the team at 25.8 points a night and scored 31 in Sacramento. Even without much from him in Portland, the bench scored 42, so this team can absorb a missing piece.
How dangerous is Sacramento?
Not very. Doug Christie's Kings are 0-5, with a 121.5 defensive rating and a net of -15.7. Ben Simmons, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and Keegan Murray are all out. Zach LaVine at 26.0 points and Darius Acuff Jr. at 24.0 can still score, and Domantas Sabonis pulls down 16.2 boards a game, so Edey and Stewart have to win the glass. The Athletic wrote this week about the Kings' hot seat.
What number explains this start?
A net rating of 11.9, built on a 116.8 offense and a 104.9 defense through five games. That defense is the part Memphis recognizes. Cedric Coward had 3 steals in Portland, Cameron Boozer posted his first career triple-double at 18, 12 and 12, and the Grizzlies put that game away with a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter.
What's the real test after Sacramento?
The schedule gets harder. The Pelicans come in on November 2 and the Pacers on November 4, then the Thunder arrive on November 6 for an Emirates NBA Cup game. Oklahoma City, an old playoff rival, is the first true measuring stick. The open question is whether a young, physical group led by a 19-year-old forward can hold that 104.9 defense against a contender.
When do the Grizzlies play the Kings?
Tonight, October 31, at home. Memphis won the first meeting 123-112 in Sacramento on October 25.
Is Ty Jerome playing against the Kings?
Jerome is listed day-to-day with a back issue. His estimated return date is October 31.
