Grizzlies Beat Kings 123-112: Memphis Stays Unbeaten

The Memphis Grizzlies stayed unbeaten and handed the Sacramento Kings their third loss in three games, winning 123-112 at Golden 1 Center on Sunday night. Memphis controlled the game on the road and never let Sacramento's offense find enough traction to keep pace, dropping the Kings to 0-3 and deepening the early-season questions around their starting lineup and defensive structure.

The story of the night was the same one that has followed Sacramento all season: a defense that simply is not getting stops. The Kings entered the game allowing 124.5 points per game, and Memphis's 123-point night kept that trend firmly intact. Sacramento's offense produced 112 points, which is workable on most nights, but not when the other end is leaking this badly.

Grading our premium pick

We sold subscribers the Grizzlies as a -178 road favorite with the spread at 4.5 and the total at 236.5. Memphis won outright by 11, so the moneyline hit comfortably and the Grizzlies covered the 4.5-point spread with room to spare. The total landed at 235, just under the 236.5 number, so the Under also cashed by a single point.

What it means going forward

The takeaway is that the market had not yet fully priced in how bad Sacramento's defense has been through three games. Memphis was the right side, and the narrow Under is a reminder that totals in these spots can come down to a possession or two. Until the Kings prove they can get stops, fading them and leaning on their opponents' scoring is the more defensible approach.