Kings-Grizzlies gameday live: De’Aaron Fox says Ja Morant ‘frontrunner for MVP right now’
Note: Come back to this story throughout the day for the latest news, notes and injury updates on today’s game.
Two of the NBA’s leading scorers will go head-to-head when the Kings play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday at Golden 1 Center.
Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is second in scoring. Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox is seventh, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo, Morant, Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant.
Fox and Morant have been subject to comparisons during their time in the league together. Morant led the Grizzlies to the playoffs the past two seasons while Fox is still trying to help Sacramento end a 16-year playoff drought.
“He’s probably the frontrunner for the MVP right now, so you’re getting compared to someone like that,” Fox said. “At the end of the day, you have to win games and that’s pretty much all I’m worried about. He’s done that, been to the playoffs twice in his young career, so hats off to that, and that’s somewhere I’m trying to get this organization.”
Morant, 23, who came out of Memphis as the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, has been sensational for the Grizzlies (3-1). He is averaging 35.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists while shooting 54.8% from the field and 60% from 3-point range.
Morant had 34 points and nine assists in a season-opening win over the New York Knicks; 49 points and eight assists in a win over the Houston Rockets; and 38 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Fox, 24, who came out of Kentucky as the No. 5 pick in the 2017 draft, could have a career year for the Kings (0-3). He is averaging 31.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists while shooting 59.4% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc.
Fox had 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers. He had 36 points against the Los Angeles Clippers before putting up 26 points and 10 assists against the Golden State Warriors.
Grizzlies at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Grizzlies -3.5
Over/under: 237
Injury report
Grizzlies: QUESTIONABLE — John Konchar (shoulder). OUT — Danny Green (knee); Jaren Jackson Jr. (foot); Ziaire Williams (knee).
Kings: None.
Upcoming schedule
10/27 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
10/29 vs. Miami Heat
10/31 at Charlotte Hornets
11/2 at Miami Heat
11/5 at Orlando Magic
This story was originally published October 27, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
