Memphis Grizzlies vs Sacramento Kings Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan.3, 2025

The Memphis Grizzlies look to start a winning streak as they face the Sacramento Kings on Friday. The game will be played inside the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, in the Grizzlies’s fifth straight game on the road.

Memphis has become one of the best teams in the league, sitting in the second spot in the stacked NBA Western Conference standings with a 23-11 record. The Grizzlies recorded 10 wins in 18 games against West teams. The Grizzlies took down the Kings in their first meeting this season last November 5.

Forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has been quietly leading Memphis this season, averaging 22.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The former Defensive Player of the Year has also continued to impact the defensive side for the Grizzlies with 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.

On the other hand, the Kings are riding a two-game winning streak over a week after firing head coach Mike Brown. Now mentored by interim coach Doug Christie, the Kings currently hold a 15-19 win-loss record, good for 12th place in the West standings.

The Kings have been 11-14 against West squads this year, while they have been 8-12 on their home floor.

De’Aaron Fox is expected to anchor the offense for the Kings, averaging 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He is backstopped by former All-Star teammates Domantas Sabonis and DeMar Sabonis, who are putting up 20.6 points per game.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings Game Details and Odds

The game will tip off at 10 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on FuboTV, NBCSCA, FanDuel Sports Network — Southeast — Memphis, and NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Grizzlies (+145) vs Kings (-160)

Spread: Grizzlies +4.5 (-115) vs Kings -4 (-105)

Total (O/U): Grizzlies o238.5 (-108) vs. Kings u238 (-108)

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings Betting Tips

The Grizzlies will continue to miss star guard Ja Morant. In his place will be Desmond Bane, who could lead the way for Memphis in the game. Considering the touches he could have, it is safe to bet on him scoring over 20 points this game.

Jackson Jr. is also predicted to be the team's defensive anchor. The Kings have many penetrators, such as Fox and Malik Monk, in their lineup. Jackson Jr. could collect three or more blocks in the game.

Meanwhile, the Kings could continue to rely on De’Aaron Fox’s scoring. The All-Star guard is on a two-game streak of 30 or more points, and considering the lack of perimeter defenders in the Grizzlies’s lineup, he is expected to continue that streak.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings Prediction

The game is expected to be closely contested, but the Kings are predicted to pull the upset over the Grizzlies, as they will enter the game as the healthier team.