Kings vs. Grizzlies gameday: Keegan Murray, Ja Morant injury news and 3 things to watch

The Kings will try to win their third in a row under interim coach Doug Christie when they conclude a three-game homestand against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The Kings (15-19) are coming off back-to-back wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers. They are 2 ½ games out of the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies (23-11) are second in the West after winning three of their last four. They are getting big contributions from rookie Jaylen Wells, a Sacramento native who starred at Folsom High School.

Kings forward Keegan Murray is doubtful after missing Wednesday’s game against the 76ers due to left ankle soreness, but the Grizzlies have bigger concerns. Ja Morant (shoulder), Santi Aldama (ankle) GG Jackson (foot), Marcus Smart (finger) and Vince Williams Jr. (ankle) out due to injuries. Brandon Clarke (calf), Zach Edey (concussion protocol), Yuki Kawamura (shoulder) and Jake LaRavia (ankle) are questionable.

The Grizzlies handed the Kings a 115-110 loss on Dec. 5 in Memphis.

Here are three things to watch in Friday’s game.

Shorthanded opponents

The Kings will be facing an injury depleted opponent for the third game in a row.

The Mavericks were missing five of their top rotation players, including their three leading scorers, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. The 76ers were missing Joel Embiid Kelly Oubre Jr., KJ Martin and Jared McCain.

The absence of Morant will be the biggest factor in Friday’s game. He is averaging 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 7.9 assists. Aldama averages 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Smart is a fearsome defender who averages 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals.

Welcome home

Wells has emerged as one of the biggest steals in the draft after the Grizzlies selected him out of Washington State with the 39th overall pick.

Wells has started 29 games in his rookie campaign. He is averaging 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists, but he struggled with his shot over the past three games, going 8 of 34 (.235) from the field and 3 of 21 (.143) from 3-point range.

Good vibes

Christie doesn’t have the experience and pedigree of former coach Mike Brown, who was fired last week, but he is known as an inspirational leader who could bring more out of an underperforming roster.

Christie took his players to the roof at Golden 1 Center following Wednesday’s win over the 76ers, delivering some inspirational words in the light of the team’s purple victory beam. The Kings will try to light the beam again with a win over the Grizzlies.

Grizzlies at Kings

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Golden 1 Center

TV: NBC Sports California

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140

Odds: Kings -4.5

Over/under: 238.5

Injury report

Grizzlies: QUESTIONABLE — Brandon Clarke (calf); Zach Edey (concussion protocol); Yuki Kawamura (shoulder); Jake LaRavia (ankle). OUT — Santi Aldama (ankle); GG Jackson II (foot); Ja Morant (shoulder); Marcus Smart (finger); Vince Williams Jr. (ankle).

Kings: DOUBTFUL — Keegan Murray (ankle). OUT — Devin Carter (G League); Isaiah Crawford (G League); Isaac Jones (G League); Mason Jones (G League); Orlando Robinson (G League).

Upcoming schedule

Jan. 3 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Jan. 5 at Golden State Warriors

Jan. 6 vs. Miami Heat

Jan. 10 at Boston Celtics

Jan. 12 at Chicago Bulls