Kings-Grizzlies gameday: Ja Morant, Steven Adams questionable for showdown in Sacramento
Note: Come back to this story throughout the day for the latest news, notes and injury updates on today’s game.
Two of the top three teams in the Western Conference will meet for the final time in the regular season when the Kings play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at Golden 1 Center.
The Grizzlies (31-15) are second in the Western Conference, just 1 ½ games behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 1 seed. The Kings (26-19) are third in the West, 4 ½ games back of the Grizzlies.
The point guard matchup is always intriguing when the Kings play the Grizzlies. Ja Morant is averaging 27.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.9 assists for Memphis. De’Aaron Fox is averaging 24.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists for Sacramento.
Memphis is 2-1 against Sacramento this season. The Grizzlies beat the Kings 125-110 on Oct. 27 in Sacramento and 118-108 on Jan. 1 in Memphis. The Kings handed the Grizzlies a 113-109 loss on their home court Nov. 22.
Morant was held to 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting in his team’s first game against Sacramento, but he had 34 points in the second game and 35 in the third. Fox had 27 points in the first game against Memphis and 32 in the second, but he was held to 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting in the third game.
The Grizzlies won 11 in a row before coming out west to start a five-game road trip. They suffered a 122-121 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday and a 112-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. They will be facing the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Kings will be playing their third game in four nights. They had won six in a row before suffering a 129-127 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
The Kings will conclude a four-game home stand when they face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. They will then set out on a seven-game road trip to face the Minnesota Timberwolves (2), San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets (2).
Metu’s status
Kings forward Chimezie Metu is questionable after suffering a left knee injury in Saturday’s game against the 76ers. An MRI showed bone bruises, but no structural damage.
Questionable
The Grizzlies are listing Morant and center Steven Adams as questionable for Monday’s game in Sacramento. Morant is experiencing left ankle soreness. Adams is dealing with right knee soreness.
Update
Morant and Adams were ruled out about 30 minutes before tipoff. Tyus Jones will start at point guard in place of Morant. Xavier Tillman will start at center in place of Adams.
Grizzlies at Kings
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Grizzlies -1.0
Over/under: 244.5
Injury report
Grizzlies: QUESTIONABLE — Steven Adams (knee); Ja Morant (ankle). OUT — Danny Green (knee).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Chimezie Metu (knee).
Upcoming schedule
Jan. 23 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Jan. 25 vs. Toronto Raptors
Jan. 28 at Minnesota Timberwolves
Jan. 30 at Minnesota Timberwolves
Feb. 1 at San Antonio Spurs
This story was originally published January 23, 2023 at 4:00 AM.
