Kings vs. Grizzlies: Barnes, Huerter get hot amid trade rumors; injuries; scouting reports
The Kings have a chance to extend their winning streak to four games when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at FedExForum.
The Kings (26-18) will be making the third stop on a season-long seven-game road trip after opening the trip with wins over the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes, who have frequently been mentioned in trade rumors as the Feb. 8 trade deadline nears, have suddenly gotten hot following some early struggles.
The Grizzlies (18-28) will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back after suffering a 116-110 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday in Indianapolis.
Sacramento is listing Sasha Vezenkov as questionable due to a right ankle sprain, but that’s nothing compared to Memphis’ injury woes. The Grizzlies are the most injury depleted team in the league.
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) is questionable for Monday’s game. John Konchar (ankle) and Ziaire Williams (hand) are doubtful. Steven Adams (knee), Desmond Bane (ankle), Brandon Clarke (Achilles), Luke Kennard (knee), Jake LaRavia (ankle), Ja Morant (shoulder), Derrick Rose (hamstringer) and Marcus Smart (finger) are out.
Ja Morant and Steven Adams are done for the year after undergoing season-ending surgeries. Desmond Bane (left ankle sprain), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tendon repair), Luke Kennard (left knee soreness), Jake LaRavia (left ankle sprain) and Derrick Rose (left hamstring strain) are out as well.
The Kings will face the Grizzlies for a second time after handing them a 123-92 loss on Dec. 31 in Memphis. They will face each other again March 18 in Sacramento.
Scouting Sacramento
The Kings have won three in a row to move up to fifth in the Western Conference after a four-game losing streak caused them to slip to seventh. They have looked rejuvenated after enjoying a three-day break prior to their win over the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 22.
De’Aaron Fox scored 34 points in Saturday’s 120-115 win over the Mavericks. Fox is averaging 27.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals. He is tied for seventh in the NBA in scoring.
Domantas Sabonis averages 19.9 points, 12.7 rebounds and 8.0 assists. Sabonis leads the NBA in rebounding. He has recorded 27 consecutive double-doubles to tie two-time MVP Nikola Jokic for the league lead with 40.
Keegan Murray (16.0 ppg), Malik Monk (14.7 ppg), Barnes (11.9 ppg) and Huerter (10.6 ppg) are also scoring in double figures. Barnes scored 91 points over the past three games while making 30 of 55 (.545) from the field and 15 of 27 (.555) from 3-point range. Huerter is averaging 17.5 points over the past six games while shooting 58.2% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
Scouting Memphis
The Grizzlies had won three in a row before losing to the Pacers on Sunday. They are 13th in the West, 5 ½ games behind the Utah Jazz for the final play-in spot.
Morant leads the team in scoring at 25.1 points per game, but he served a 25-game suspension to start the season and only appeared in nine games before tearing his labrum. Bane is averaging 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Jaren Jackson Jr. averages 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Smart (14.5 ppg), Kennard (10.6 ppg) and Santi Aldama (10.4 ppg) are also scoring in double figures.
Kings at Grizzlies
When: 5 p.m.
Where: FedExForum
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -10.5
Over/under: 223.5
Injury report
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Sasha Vezenkov (ankle). OUT — Jordan Ford (G League); Jalen Slawson (G League).
Grizzlies: QUESTIONABLE — Vince Williams Jr. (knee). DOUBTFUL — John Konchar (ankle); Ziaire Williams (hand). OUT — Steven Adams (knee); Desmond Bane (ankle); Brandon Clarke (Achilles); Luke Kennard (knee); Jake LaRavia (ankle); Ja Morant (shoulder); Derrick Rose (hamstringer); Marcus Smart (finger).
Upcoming schedule
Jan. 29 at Memphis Grizzlies
Jan. 31 at Miami Heat
Feb. 2 at Indiana Pacers
Feb. 3 at Chicago Bulls
Feb. 5 at Cleveland Cavaliers
