Memphis continues its California trip Sunday against Sacramento at Golden 1 Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET. The Grizzlies have already won a comfortable opener and a close road game, while the Kings are still looking for dependable defense. Our selections are Memphis -4.5 and Under 236.5, with the side the stronger preference.
Browse our other selections on the NBA picks and predictions page.
Grizzlies vs Kings Game Information
| Game Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Memphis Grizzlies at Sacramento Kings |
| Date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Tipoff | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| Arena | Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California |
| Spread used | Grizzlies -4.5 |
| Total used | 236.5 |
Memphis Has Shown It Can Finish a Difficult Game
Memphis is 2-0 and 1-0 away after following its opening win over Utah with a 111-108 victory at Golden State on Friday. Winning a close game matters because it required the Grizzlies to keep executing rather than simply protect a large early advantage.
The Grizzlies have averaged 117.0 points and allowed 105.5. Their best opportunity Sunday is to make Sacramento defend multiple actions without giving the Kings easy offense at the other end. Memphis does not need to rush just because Sacramento has struggled defensively. A good first shot and a completed defensive possession are more valuable than turning every exchange into a race.
Ty Jerome scored 28 points and delivered five assists against Golden State. Cameron Boozer added 25 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, giving Memphis another productive source of offense and rebounding. Cedric Coward’s wrist issue remains an availability item to check. The important matchup question is whether Memphis can continue creating quality opportunities without relying on one scorer to carry every possession.
Sacramento Needs Its Defense to Support the Scoring
Sacramento is 0-2 and 0-1 at home after losing 128-120 to Portland on Friday. The offense improved from its opening defeat against the Clippers, but the Kings still could not generate enough stops to turn that production into a win.
The Kings are averaging 108.0 points and allowing 124.5. Those figures describe two very different offensive performances, so the priority is identifying which improvement can last. Sacramento needs better ball containment and fewer breakdowns after its initial defensive coverage is tested. Scoring 120 again will not guarantee much if Memphis receives comfortable opportunities throughout the game.
Darius Acuff Jr. scored 33 points against Portland. Domantas Sabonis contributed 27 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists, showing how much offense Sacramento can generate through its interior hub. That production also highlights why Memphis must finish possessions on the glass. Sacramento’s depth is affected by frontcourt injury concerns, including Maxime Raynaud’s knee absence, while Ben Simmons is out for the season.
Grizzlies vs Kings Statistical Comparison
2026-27 regular-season figures through each team’s first two games.
| Category | Grizzlies | Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 2-0 | 0-2 |
| Relevant venue record | 1-0 away | 0-1 home |
| Points per game | 117.0 | 108.0 |
| Points allowed per game | 105.5 | 124.5 |
| Average scoring margin | +11.5 | -16.5 |
| Average combined score | 222.5 | 232.5 |
Three Matchups Worth Watching
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Memphis ball movement vs Sacramento’s defensive rotations | Repeated breakdowns could let the road favorite control the game. |
| Sabonis’ passing vs Memphis’ interior coverage | Extra defensive attention could create clean Sacramento shots. |
| Defensive rebounding | Second chances threaten both the Memphis cover and the under. |
Memphis Grizzlies vs Sacramento Kings Picks and Predictions
Spread Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -4.5
I’m laying 4.5 with Memphis. The Grizzlies have the more convincing defensive start and enough offensive production from different sources to keep testing Sacramento’s weak points. The Kings’ latest scoring performance deserves respect, but another productive night will not solve their inability to get stops. Sacramento’s strongest argument is its home floor and the chance that Sabonis controls the glass while creating easier shots for teammates. That could keep this close. I still project Memphis winning 119-112. A -3.5 line has appeared at a more expensive price, so compare the cost rather than treating it as automatically better value.
Total Pick: Under 236.5
I lean under because Memphis has a credible way to make Sacramento’s offense less comfortable than it was against Portland. The Grizzlies’ first two games averaged 222.5 combined points, and they do not need a fast game to create enough scoring chances. Sacramento’s defense is the obvious threat to this pick. If Memphis scores easily and the Kings answer through second chances or efficient perimeter shooting, 236.5 can disappear quickly. My projection totals 231, leaving a reasonable but limited cushion. The side is stronger because it can still win if Sacramento’s defensive problems push the game over.
Final Prediction
| Selection | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline winner | Memphis Grizzlies |
| ATS | Grizzlies -4.5 |
| Total | Under 236.5 |
| Projected score | Memphis 119, Sacramento 112 |
| Best bet for this game | Grizzlies -4.5 |
Final Picks: Memphis Grizzlies -4.5 and Under 236.5.
Prepared for October 25, 2026. Odds, injuries and lineups may change. Statistical comparisons reflect two-game samples.