Grizzlies ride hot streak and revenge-fueled Kings clash. Can Memphis maintain momentum after a dominant blowout victory?
The Memphis Grizzlies return to Sacramento on Sunday night carrying their best momentum of the season — and the memory of a 41-point blowout that the Kings have waited nearly two weeks to avenge.
Memphis crushed Sacramento 137-96 on Nov. 20 behind 50 combined points from Santi Aldama and Jock Landale, a performance that came despite the absences of both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Kings were road-weary that night, but the scale of the defeat still stung. After two strong wins over Denver and Minnesota, Sacramento has slipped again with losses to Phoenix and Utah, making Sunday’s rematch an opportunity to reset.
The Grizzlies, by contrast, have steadily climbed out of their early-season struggles. They closed NBA Cup group play at 3–1 after road victories over the Pelicans and Clippers, narrowly missing the knockout round due to a point-differential tiebreaker against the Suns. Memphis has now won four of its last five games, a surge driven by improved chemistry and defensive discipline.
Even after Friday’s win in Los Angeles, that progress was top of mind for multiple players. Center Zach Edey, who matched his career high with 21 rebounds in the 112-107 victory, said the team’s recent form reflects a group finding its identity.
“Man, feeling great. We’re feeling great,” Edey said after the game, describing the energy in the locker room.
His individual growth has mirrored the Grizzlies’ improvement. Since returning from offseason ankle surgery on Nov. 15, Edey has delivered four double-digit scoring nights and four double-digit rebounding efforts, including 21 points and 15 boards against New Orleans and a season-best 19 rebounds at Los Angeles. Teammates have already felt the difference he brings.
Rookie wing Cedric Coward, who has emerged as one of Memphis’ most steady contributors, emphasized Edey’s two-way impact.
“Zach is a huge part of what we do, both offensively and defensively,” Coward said. “Just his presence alone is so meaningful… when he came back, how much better our team got defensively, on the rebounding end, even the offensive end.”
Jackson’s return has been equally significant. After missing time with a sprained right ankle, he scored 27 points in New Orleans and followed with a team-high 24 against the Clippers. His late-game scoring and rim protection have been vital in stabilizing the rotation as Morant continues to sit with a strained right calf.
Their challenge Sunday will look familiar. With Domantas Sabonis still sidelined, the Kings remain committed to their patchwork frontcourt of Drew Eubanks and rookie Maxime Raynaud. The duo combined for 21 points and eight rebounds in Friday’s loss at Utah — and they also held their own against Edey in Memphis, outscoring him 21-16 and outrebounding him 8-4 in the Nov. 20 meeting, boosted by extended minutes.
Raynaud has been a bright spot in a difficult season for Sacramento. Kings coach Doug Christie praised the 42nd overall pick’s poise and maturity earlier this week.
“There is a poise about Max that belies his age,” Christie said. “He is a young player… (but) there is not a panic in him.”
Memphis could use another composed road performance of its own. The Grizzlies’ recent stretch — built on depth, defense and improved rebounding — has pulled them closer to the middle of the West standings and positioned them to test Sacramento again.
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT on Sunday.