Kings vs. Grizzlies: Western Conference playoff race, injury updates and scouting reports

Over the past week, the Kings have gone up against the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, but now they face what might be a bigger test against an inferior opponent with an injury depleted roster.

The Kings will conclude a six-game homestand when they play the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at Golden 1 Center. The Grizzlies have been beset by injuries and other issues going back to the start of the season when Ja Morant was suspended for 25 games following a series of gun-related incidents. Morant returned to appear in nine games before suffering a right labrum tear that required season-ending surgery.

The Kings were favored over the Grizzlies by 9 ½ points when the opening line was released, but they’ve fallen into this kind of trap before, losing to lesser teams with key players out due to injuries. The list of regrettable losses includes the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls.

The Kings (38-28) are sixth in the Western Conference playoff race, percentage points ahead of the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. They dropped to seventh with Saturday’s loss to the Knicks but moved back up to sixth Sunday when the Suns lost to the Bucks.

Kings forwards Trey Lyles (knee) and Sasha Vezenkov (ankle) have been ruled out for Monday’s game. Lyles will miss several games with a sprained MCL in his left knee. Vezenkov has been out for more than a month but could be nearing a return from a right ankle sprain.

The Grizzlies (23-45) are 13^th in the West, 13 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the final play-in spot in the West. They are coming off back-to-back losses to the Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder. They have lost four of their last five games and 18 of 23 dating back to Jan. 28.

Memphis is listing Vince Williams Jr. as doubtful with left patellar tendinitis. Brandon Clarke (Achilles), Luke Kennard (personal), Morant (shoulder), Scott Pippen Jr. (shin), Derrick Rose (groin, back), Marcus Smart (finger), Lamar Stevens (adductor), Yuta Watanbe (personal) and Ziaire Williams (back, hip) are out.

This will be the third and final meeting between the Kings and Grizzlies. The Kings visited Memphis twice earlier this season, winning 123-92 on Dec. 31 and 103-94 on Jan. 29.

Scouting Sacramento

De’Aaron Fox is averaging 26.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals. He is shooting 47% from the field and 36.2% from 3-point range on 7.5 attempts per game.

Domantas Sabonis averages 20.1 points, 13.6 rebounds and 8.3 assists. He is leading the league in rebounding, double-doubles (62) and triple-doubles (23). Sabonis has recorded a single-season franchise record 49 consecutive double-doubles.

Malik Monk is making a strong case as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, averaging 15.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field and 36.9% from 3-point range. Keegan Murray (14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds), Harrison Barnes (12.4 points, 2.9 rebounds) and Kevin Huerter (10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists) are also scoring in double figures for Sacramento.

Scouting Memphis

Desmond Bane is averaging 24.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the Grizzlies. He is shooting 47.3% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range on 8.7 attempts per game.

Jaren Jackson Jr. averages 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. His blocks have dropped considerably from 3.0 last season and his 3-point shooting is down from 35.5% to 33.1%.

GG Jackson is averaging 12.5 points and 3.6 rebounds. Santi Aldama averages 10.6 points and 5.6 rebounds.

Grizzlies at Kings

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Golden 1 Center

TV: NBC Sports California

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140

Odds: Kings -9.5

Over/under: 223.5

Injury report

Grizzlies: DOUBTFUL — Vince Williams Jr. (patella). OUT — Brandon Clarke (Achilles); Luke Kennard (personal); Ja Morant (shoulder); Scotty Pippen Jr. (shin); Derrick Rose (groin, back); Marcus Smart (finger); Lamar Stevens (adductor); Yuta Watanabe (personal); Ziaire Williams (back, hip).

Kings: OUT — Trey Lyles (knee); Sasha Vezenkov (ankle).

Upcoming schedule

March 18 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

March 20 at Toronto Raptors

March 21 at Washington Wizards

March 23 at Orlando Magic

March 25 vs. Philadelphia 76ers