If someone told you before the season had started the Grizzlies would be 2-0 in their opening two games and would also have the NBA’s leading scorer, would you believe them? That’s exactly what has transpired in Memphis in the opening week of the new season. Ty Jerome has played some of the best basketball of his career torching the Jazz for 45 points and then following it up with 28 points and 5 assists vs Golden State. Rookie sensation Cameron Boozer also had a bounce back performance in the win over the Warriors, there’s really no expectations on this Grizzlies team which allows them to play a free flowing game on both ends. Next up for them are the Sacramento Kings, a team they beat 3 times in 4 meetings last season.
There aren’t that many positives to talk about if you’re a Kings fan, but that was to be expected going into the year. It is unknown in which direction this team is headed, they have an odd mixture of younger players paired with some experienced ones with some obvious flaws and a thin bench unit. They got smoked on opening night by the Clippers and then followed it up with a disappointing game against Portland losing by 8 points despite holding a double-digit lead at one point. It’s only a matter of time until the Kings completely blow it up and trade away Sabonis and LaVine, those two will put up raw numbers, but sadly it won’t translate to much success in my opinion. Sacramento allows 29.5 assists per game (6th most) and they’re also 3rd in opponent fastbreak points per game (20).
Defense is all about effort and I’m just not seeing any of it from the Kings right now. Only 3 teams allow more point per game than they do, until I see some improvement in that area I am staying away from them. I’ll take Memphis on the road in this one.
Grizzlies vs Kings Predictions: Grizzlies -4.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
