Grizzlies' pace meets a Kings defense that ranked 28th last season

The Memphis Grizzlies (25-57 last season) bring the NBA's fifth-fastest pace to the Sacramento Kings (22-60), who had the 28th-ranked defense, on Sunday at 9:00 PM ET in Sacramento.

All team numbers are from last season, with this season's rosters. Sacramento allowed 119.1 points per 100 possessions, and its opponents shot 57.2% effective from the field, 29th in the league.

Memphis played fast and took threes on 43.6% of its shots, 10th, so the Grizzlies get many looks against a defense that gave up good ones.

Sacramento's offense struggled too. The Kings took threes on 33.9% of their shots, the league's lowest rate, and shot 52.5% effective, 29th.

Memphis ranked 29th in defensive rebounding at 70.9%, which leaves second chances as Sacramento's most direct route to points.

Zach LaVine averaged 19.2 points for the Kings on 47.9% shooting, and Malik Monk handed out 3 assists a game. For Memphis, Jerami Grant scored 18.6 a game and Cam Spencer averaged 5.6 assists.

Cedric Coward, Memphis's leading rebounder at 5.9 a game, is questionable, and Zach Edey is out. Sacramento is without Dylan Cardwell, who grabbed 7.5 rebounds a game, plus Maxime Raynaud and Ben Simmons. Keegan Murray, who averaged 33.2 minutes, is questionable.

Both teams have played already. Memphis won 111-108 at Golden State and beat Utah 123-103 at home. Sacramento lost 128-120 to Portland at home and then 121-96 at the LA Clippers.

Sportsbooks' prices give Memphis a 61% chance to win Sunday, October 25. Keel's projection, built from the players available, gives the Grizzlies 56%.