The Memphis Grizzlies (23-45) take on conference foe Sacramento Kings (38-28) for this Western Conference showdown on Monday, March 18 at 10:00 PM ET at the Golden 1 Center for this NBA betting opportunity. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook has the Kings favored with a -9.5 (-121) point spread.
When: March 18, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET
Where: Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California
Watch: NBA League Pass
Memphis Grizzlies Preview
The Grizzlies have lost four out of their last five games and are currently riding a two-game losing streak. In their most recent defeat, they came up short 118-112 against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite Desmond Bane’s return to the lineup.
Bane, before missing nearly two months, had been averaging 24.4 points per game on 47.3 percent shooting from the field. Together with Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.4 PPG), their offense might get the lift it desperately needs.
The Grizzlies’ offensive struggles need improvement, as they currently average 105.8 points per game and rank last in offensive efficiency with a rating of 107.3. Their pace of play ranks 17th in the league with a rating of 98.2. With Bane’s return and Jackson Jr.’s contributions, they aim for increased offensive consistency.
On the defensive end, the Grizzlies allow an average of 112.3 points per game, ranking ninth and showcasing their strength. They maintain the 11th position in defensive efficiency with a rating of 113.9.
Sacramento Kings Preview
The Kings are 3-2 in their last set of five games and recently ended their two-game win streak with a loss. This was a 98-91 performance against the New York Knicks, despite Domantas Sabonis dropping 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
A big game from De’Aaron Fox is likely coming up, as he averages 26.8 points per game and ranks 10th in the league in scoring. As for Sabonis, he leads the team with 13.6 rebounds and 8.3 assists, which shows how versatile the starting lineup can be.
The Kings consistently average 118.0 points per game and claim the eighth spot in the league for scoring. Their offensive efficiency ranks 12th with a rating of 117.4, coupled with a swift pace placing them 12th at 99.6. This does not bode well for the Grizzlies, especially if the Kings push the ball in transition.
Defensively, they secure the 20th position by limiting opponents to an average of 117.1 points per game. They are a bit behind the league average when it comes to their defensive efficiency, which stands at 116.5 and earns them a 20th-ranking. This means they heavily rely on their offense to push them to victory.
Betting Odds
Tailored specifically for Tennessee bettors, ZenSports NBA betting offerings present unique opportunities. In this game, the Sacramento Kings hold a slight advantage on their home court, with market analysis suggesting an 83.0 percent chance of victory.
Memphis Grizzlies
Spread: +9.5 (-105)
Sacramento Kings
Spread: -9.5 (-121)
Photo Credit: © Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
