The Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 20, 2025. Both teams desperately need a win. The Kings are 3-12 on their worst start in decades. The Grizzlies own a 4-11 record. Either squad will snap a painful losing streak Thursday night at FedExForum in Memphis.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Sacramento Kings lost their 7th consecutive game to Oklahoma City on Nov. 19.
- Memphis Grizzlies suffer from a 5-game losing skid dating back before Nov. 7.
- Ja Morant sidelined with a calf injury for Memphis heading into this matchup.
- Keegan Murray returns to Sacramento lineup after left thumb surgery.
- Game tips off at 8:00 PM ET Thursday at FedExForum.
The Desperation Factor Sets In
Both franchises face unprecedented early-season struggles. The Sacramento Kings own their worst start since the 1990-91 season when they opened 2-13. The 7-game losing streak represents their longest skid since 2021-22. Coach Doug Christie remains optimistic despite the brutal stretch. After losing 113-99 to the defending champion Thunder, Christie noted better execution in practice and closer competition.
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The Memphis Grizzlies battle their own fourth-quarter demons. They’ve scored just 16 points against Cleveland and 14 points against San Antonio in final quarters. Coach Tuomas Iisalo described the issue as “lack of execution.” Memphis led 101-100 with 3:13 remaining against the Spurs but scored zero additional points, finishing 0-for-6.
Injury Reports Shape Playoff-Like Intensity
Memphis faces a devastating injury situation. Star guard Ja Morant remains sidelined with a calf injury. All three backup point guards—Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, and Javon Small—are also unavailable. Forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who averages 17.9 points, is questionable with a sprained right ankle.
The Grizzlies did generate positive momentum from rookie Cedric Coward, who posted 19 points and 11 rebounds against San Antonio. Iisalo praised the first-year guard as a bright spot in playoff-contention talks.
Sacramento welcomes back Keegan Murray after he missed the entire season recovering from left thumb surgery. The power forward has averaged 12.4 points and shot 45.1% from the field previously. His return could spark the sluggish Kings offense.
Head-to-Head Matchup Details
| Matchup Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Kings Record | 3-12 (worst start since 1990-91) |
| Grizzlies Record | 4-11 (5-game slide active) |
| Venue | FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Tipoff Time | 8:00 PM ET Thursday |
| Key Stars | De’Aaron Fox (Kings) vs. Cedric Coward (Grizzlies) |
De’Aaron Fox has averaged 23.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in career matchups versus Ja Morant. Without Morant, the Kings star could elevate his scoring impact. The rivalry runs deep—Morant leads the head-to-head at 6-5 in 11 total matchups.
What to Watch for Moving Forward
- Fourth-quarter execution: Can Memphis avoid another late collapse against a hungry Sacramento squad?
- Murray’s integration: Will Keegan Murray’s return spark Sacramento’s dormant offense immediately?
- Bench production: Coward’s emergence could determine if Memphis pulls away or allows a comeback.
- Defensive intensity: The Grizzlies surrender points late; Sacramento must capitalize on fatigue.
- Next matchups: Both teams face uphill battles to salvage their seasons starting with this crucial game.
Who Breaks the Streak First?
The outcome Thursday night signals which team possesses resilience. Sacramento has endured front-office questions and trade speculation. Memphis fights injuries while developing young talent like Coward. One team escapes Memphis with a crucial victory; the other descends deeper into crisis mode. The NBA Cup schedule remains unforgiving, and every win matters now.
Which squad finally breaks through? Tune in at 8:00 PM ET Thursday to witness this must-watch collision. Both franchises need this win desperately. The stakes feel championship-level despite the losing records because momentum matters most in November.
Don’t miss the latest developments as these struggling teams battle for relevance and respite from their painful losing streaks.
Sources
- CBS Sports – Game preview and injury reports
- NBA.com – Official league standings and player statistics
- Sports Reference – Historical comparison data for both teams
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.