Kings Seek Redemption Against Injured Grizzlies Amid Four-Game Losing Streak

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings are looking to end their four-game losing streak as they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. With a record of 33-33, the Kings find themselves in a precarious position at .500, threatening their chances to avoid the Play-In Tournament. The game is set to tip-off at 10 p.m. ET at the Golden 1 Center.

Monday’s matchup carries significant playoff implications, especially with both teams battling injury issues. The Grizzlies will be without star point guard Ja Morant, who is sidelined due to left hamstring soreness. Morant, who has missed parts of the season with various injuries, was a crucial player for Memphis, averaging 22.1 points and 7.1 assists per game.

“We rely on Ja’s playmaking,” said Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. “His absence is felt deeply, but we have depth to counter that.”

The Grizzlies have released their injury report ahead of the game, which includes several other players: Zyon Pullin (out, knee), Santi Aldama (doubtful, calf), and Vince Williams Jr. (day-to-day, ankle). On the other hand, Sacramento is welcoming back Domantas Sabonis, who recently returned from a six-game absence. He is now fully healthy and not included in the injury report.

“It feels great to be back,” Sabonis stated. “We need to get back on track, and tonight is a perfect opportunity to start.”

Despite their struggles, the Kings have remained competitive with an average of 116.3 points per game, ranking ninth in the league. Leading scorer Zach LaVine, who averages 23.6 points, is expected to play a key role in boosting the team’s offensive output against a weakened Grizzlies defense.

The Kings’ recent performances have been inconsistency-laden, including a 122-106 loss to the Phoenix Suns, where they turned the ball over 19 times, leading to 38 points for Phoenix. Kings guard Malik Monk emphasized the need for better execution moving forward. “We need to cut down on the mistakes. This is the time to figure it all out before it’s too late,” said Monk.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies enter Monday’s game currently holding fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 43-25, despite their own injury challenges recently. Memphis has won five of their last six games, showcasing their resilience without Morant in the lineup, but the pressure is on role players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. to step up.

“We’ve prepared all season for moments like these,” Bane said. “We’ve got to keep fighting together.”

As the battle for playoff positioning heats up, this matchup is critical for both teams. The Kings will aim to leverage their home court advantage while coming together to halt their streak, while the Grizzlies will look to prove their depth can withstand the loss of their star guard. With both squads facing high stakes, the intensity is expected to be palpable.