Kings at Grizzlies
THE STORY: The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t officially in the playoffs just yet, but any suspense is all but nonexistent. Barring an epic collapse in their final four games, the Grizzlies will nab at least the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference for their first postseason trip since 2005-06. They can formally claim their spot at home on Friday against the lowly Sacramento Kings, owners of the second-worst record in the West.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Comcast Sports, SportSouth
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (44-34): At this point, the only way Memphis can be left in the cold is if the club loses its next four while ninth-place Houston - currently 3 ½ games back - wins its remaining three. The Grizzlies could still climb to as high as sixth in the standings but will gladly celebrate no matter what seed they’re dealt as they attempt to end the postseason drought. The Grizzlies lost for the first time in five games Tuesday, surrendering a nine-point lead in an 82-81 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Marc Gasol had 14 points and 15 rebounds as the Grizzlies scored 58 points in the paint but ended a six-game home winning streak.
ABOUT THE KINGS (23-55): No one can blame the Kings if they are eagerly anticipating the end of the season. On top of yet another losing campaign, players face an uncertain future as it appears the franchise’s move to Anaheim is getting closer by the day. Despite the distractions, the Kings had built some positive momentum with impressive back-to-back wins over Utah and Houston. Then they ran into juggernaut San Antonio and suffered an embarrassing 32-point loss on Wednesday. Tyreke Evans’ 16 points led the way, but the Kings couldn’t overcome a 41-point third quarter by the Spurs.
WHO’S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Gasol has eight steals in the last two games. Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph is avering a team-high 12.2 rebounds but has totaled only 15 in his last two outings. Evans is averaging 26.3 ppg in his last three versus the Grizzlies. Rookie center DeMarcus Cousins has scored in double-figures in 19 of the Kings’ last 20 games.
KEY STATISTIC: 13-8 - the Grizzlies record since second-leading scorer Rudy Gay went down with a season-ending shoulder injury, making the team’s playoff run even more impressive.
SEASON SERIES: The Grizzlies have taken two of the three games. In the most exciting finish of the three, Evans hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to push the Kings to a 100-98 home victory on Dec. 29. Memphis has taken 10 of 13 at FedExForum against Sacramento.
KEY INJURIES: MEMPHIS: G Jason Williams (back). SACRAMENTO: G Marquis Daniels (neck).
LAST WORD: “We had Pau (Gasol), but that was about it. We had really good perimeter players. This team, obviously, the strength is in the interior.” Grizzlies forward Shane Battier, on the difference between this year’s team and the last playoff group.