The Sacramento Kings fell to 0-3 on the young season with a 112-123 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on October 25, 2026. The defeat extends a concerning start and comes with a new injury worry as forward Keegan Murray is listed as questionable with left ankle capsulitis.
Memphis, now 3-0, capitalized on Sacramento's early-season struggles. The Kings' recent form shows three consecutive losses, following defeats to the Portland Trail Blazers (120-128 on October 23) and the LA Clippers (121-96 on October 21). Head coach Mike Brown is searching for answers as his team prepares for a quick turnaround.
Keegan Murray's status is the primary concern for Sacramento. The forward tweaked his ankle in the previous game against Portland, and his potential absence would be a significant blow. Murray is a key offensive weapon and floor-spacer for the Kings' system.
Three other players are confirmed out for the Grizzlies matchup. Rookie center Dylan Cardwell remains sidelined with a left calf strain, while fellow rookie Maxime Raynaud is out with a right patella subluxation. Veteran guard Ben Simmons is also out as he continues his recovery from right Achilles tendon surgery.
Defense has been a major issue. Sacramento allowed an average of 124 points per game during this three-game skid. The 123 points surrendered to Memphis continued that trend, with the Grizzlies shooting efficiently from the perimeter and in the paint. Offensive rhythm has also been inconsistent outside of star guard De'Aaron Fox, who has shouldered a heavy scoring load.
The absence of a reliable interior presence, compounded by the injuries to Cardwell and Raynaud, has hurt their rebounding and rim protection. Turnovers at inopportune moments have stalled momentum and led to easy transition baskets for opponents. It's a combination of problems that needs fixing fast.
The schedule offers little respite. Sacramento must immediately travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on the road on October 27, 2026. It's the second game of a back-to-back, testing the team's depth and resilience. A lineup potentially missing Murray would require others like Harrison Barnes or rookie draft picks to step up with major minutes.
Finding a first win is now urgent to stop the early-season slide. The coaching staff will be analyzing film to tighten defensive rotations and generate more consistent ball movement. How the Kings respond against San Antonio could set the tone for the next several weeks of the NBA calendar.
Mike Brown emphasized the need for better effort and execution after the Memphis loss. He pointed to a lack of physicality and attention to detail in critical stretches. The team knows it has the talent to compete, but turning that potential into wins requires a collective step up on both ends of the floor.
