Recap: Undermanned Grizzlies hang around but fall to Sacramento Kings at home
The Memphis Grizzlies did what they could.
Despite only having eight players, including one who was signed earlier in the day, the Grizzlies were competitive until the final moments with the Sacramento Kings on Monday night at FedExForum. But the Kings ultimately made enough plays down the stretch to escape with a 103-94 win.
The Grizzlies had 11 players out injured and signed Matthew Hurt to a 10-day contract from the Memphis Hustle to meet the minimum number of active players required for an NBA game. Hurt got playing time and scored 10 points.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way for Memphis with 22 points. But the Grizzlies had issues all night on the interior, as evidenced by Kings center Domantas Sabonis grabbing 26 rebounds to go with his 20 points.
The Grizzlies are back in action on Thursday night, when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings live score updates
Grizzlies still in it after three quarters
Santi Aldama leads the Grizzlies with 16 points, while De'Aaron Fox leads the Kings with 15. Domantas Sabonis already has 23 rebounds and has been dominant on the interior, but Memphis has hung in the game. It's 75-71 Kings after three.
Halftime: Grizzlies 50, Kings 47
Memphis has a first half lead despite being severely undermanned. Jaren Jackson Jr. has 15 points to lead the Grizzlies and has once again been the top scoring option.
Matthew Hurt makes his regular season Grizzlies debut
Hurt, who was signed on a 10-day contract from the Memphis Hustle earlier on Monday, entered the game in the first quarter and promptly hit a 3-pointer on his first shot attempt. The former Duke standout is the G League's scoring leader this season.
Grizzlies using a unique starting lineup
Memphis only has eight players available, including the newly-signed Matthew Hurt. So Scotty Pippen Jr., who was only signed a couple weeks ago and has yet to play in a home game, is in the starting lineup. He's starting alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, David Roddy and Xavier Tillman Sr.
Grizzlies undermanned for Monday night's game
Who will suit up for the Grizzlies on Monday night?
The Grizzlies (18-28) have 11 players listed on their injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExFourm. Eight are out, including Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart.
Even as injuries have mounted, the Grizzlies have remained competitive. Memphis won three games in a row before Sunday's road loss to the Indiana Pacers but will be severely shorthanded on the second night of the back-to-back.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has remained healthy and will be the focal point of the offense on Monday, while GG Jackson should play a major role as a scorer as well.
The Kings (26-18) have won three in a row. They beat the Grizzlies 123-92 in their first meeting at FedExForum earlier this season.
What channel is Grizzlies vs. Kings on today?
TV channel: Bally Sports Southeast
Stream: Bally Sports app, FUBO (free trial)
Grizzlies vs. Kings start time
Date: Jan. 29
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Grizzlies vs. Kings betting odds
SPREAD: Kings -9.5
MONEY LINE: Kings -455, Grizzlies +350
OVER/UNDER: 223.5
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Recap: Undermanned Grizzlies hang around but fall to Sacramento Kings
